Zimbabwe: FMD vaccine runs out
Thousands of cattle in Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe, could succumb to foot and mouth disease (FMD) amid revelations that the region has run out of vaccines to fight the contagious disease.
A fresh outbreak has been reported in Stanmore, 30km outside Gwanda town, three months since the disease was detected and put under control.
Although officials at the Veterinary Department refused to speak to local media, farmers who visited the centre to seek assistance for their ailing cattle said they were disappointed not to get help.
“We are afraid we will have to watch our cattle die after we were told by the vet officials that they were still awaiting supplies from Harare, we are being turned away and being told to seek alternatives such as wound powder and penicillin”, said Sikhumbuzo Sibanda a peasant farmer in Stanmore.
Vet officials have since mounted a roadblock at Esigodini in an endeavour to control the movement of cattle.
