New Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Threatens Livestock in Mzimba

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Luwerezi Extension Planning Area (EPA) at Kabiza Dip Tank under Mzimba South District.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, a total of 8 cases but no deaths were clinically diagnosed in 5 kraals and the population of cattle at risk is 160,

The statement further stated that 9 679 cattle are at risk within the EPA area and 171 948 across the district.

“The disease is spreading so fast putting lives of animals at risk, the species affected include cattle, goats, sheep and pigs but cattle are the most susceptible,” reads the statement.

The Ministry has put some restrictive measures in order to prevent further spreading of the disease within and outside the district.

Meanwhile all cattle markets and issuing of movement permits have been suspended as we await laboratory confirmation.