Contain foot and mouth disease-Chikote

Nais-Fisheries and Livestock Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE has challenged veterinary staff and other stakeholders to fight and contain the Food and Mouth Disease which has been rampant in the last five years.

Mr. CHIKOTE says illegal livestock movement especially during outbreaks has been the biggest contribution to the spread of the disease.

He called upon all stakeholders not to compromise when it comes to the fight against the foot and mouth disease.

Mr CHIKOTE says the Ministry has drawn out a three-year budget of 7- hundred and 75 Million Kwacha for the procurement of FMD vaccines, enhancement of diagnostic capacity of laboratory services and regulation of issuance of permits among other things.

The Minister said this when he officially opened a stakeholder’s consultation workshop on the Foot and Mouth Disease Risk Based Strategic Plan in Kabwe.

And the Food and Agriculture Organisation Country Representative, SUZE FILIPPINI said her organisation is fully aware that it is very difficult to completely eliminate FMD as it requires heavy investment.

Ms. FILIPPINI said FMD can best be controlled when it is done in a holistic manner taking into consideration other animal diseases.

She said FAO is determined to mobilise resources and support to strengthen veterinary services in a sustainable manner which will create better possibilities to control FMD and other priority animal disease.

FMD is a highly infectious disease of livestock with a serious consequence on food security and economic effect on livelihoods if not contained.

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