Zambia: 2,000 cattle at risk from livestock disease
A fatal livestock disease called 'lumpy-skin' has threatened to wipe out about 2,000 cattle in the Gwembe district in Southern Province, Zambia. Officials at the district veterinary office said the disease, earlier reported in Chisanga and Chipepo areas, has now spread to all parts of the district.
According to a report obtained from the Veterinary Department, the Munyumbwe area has lost more animals to the disease than all other parts of the district. From the 92 cases of bovine lumpy-skin attacks in the area, about 29 animals have died since December 2011. Munyumbwe has a herd size of 309 and 1,425 animals, which are at risk of contracting the disease.
In Chipepo and the surrounding areas, seven deaths have been reported from the 24 cases recorded in the month of December 2011, while 17 animals were treated. Chipepo area has a 45 herd size and 360 animal population at risk.
Gwembe Plateau has recorded no animal deaths, but five cases were reported and treated in December. 120 animals are at risk of contracting the disease in the Gwembe Plateau, which has a herd size of 45.
Veterinary officials in Gwembe have expressed worry at farmers’ reluctance to have affected animals treated. The officers said the response has been poor and called on livestock farmers to ensure that they treat their animals in order to boost the animal population in the district.
