GOVT TO SET UP ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK FUND -ECL

By Hector Simfukwe

President Edgar Lungu says government will set up a fund which will allow for quick response whenever there is an outbreak of a livestock disease.

President Lungu says government will also embark on a massive vaccination of animals countrywide.

The President appealed to farmers to present their animals for free vaccination when the program starts.

President Lungu said this today during the lunch of the first ever livestock field day in Namwala District.

He added that a number of measures have been put in place to prevent the illegal movement of livestock as it is a source of animal diseases.

President Lungu said livestock disease control can only succeed with the help of all stakeholders.

He also challenged the farmers in Namwala to increase milk production as well as venture in goat keeping.

And speaking earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Nkandu Luo said government has made progress in manufacturing vaccines for livestock locally.

Professor Luo said the scientists under her ministry are doing a good job when it comes to the manufacturing of vaccines for livestock.

She said a number of vaccines have been developed locally and are currently been used.

And Zambia National Farmers Union -ZNFU- President Jervis Zimba said there is need for the country to start producing livestock vaccines locally.

Mr. Zimba said this will not only help local farmers but also earn the country foreign exchange.

And, ZAMBEEF Chief Executive Officer Walter Roodt urged government to sign the necessary agreements with the DRC so that trade can be done properly, saying there is a huge market for livestock in the DRC which needs to be exploited.

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