BY NALEDI DUBE
The Department of Veterinary Services in Masvingo Province has launched a mass anthrax vaccination campaign targeting at least 120 000 cattle in traditional hotspot districts including Bikita, Masvingo, Zaka, Chiredzi and Mwenezi.
Masvingo Provincial Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kramer Manyetu, said the exercise is aimed at protecting cattle in areas that have recorded anthrax outbreaks over the past 10 years.
“We have started protecting cattle against anthrax in the province targeting hotspots in Bikita, Masvingo, Zaka, Chiredzi and Mwenezi. Our target is to protect at least 120 000 cattle in areas that have recorded outbreaks in the past 10 years,” said Dr Manyetu.
He urged farmers across the province to cooperate with veterinary officials by bringing all their cattle for vaccination during the month of June.
“We are urging our farmers to bring all their cattle for this important exercise this month of June. The vaccinations will be combined with dipping sessions as dip chemical supplies have improved,” he said.
Dr Manyetu said the latest anthrax outbreak was recorded in the Gonarezhou National Park area, prompting authorities to intensify vaccination efforts around the park.
“The last outbreak was in Gonarezhou National Park and all cattle around that park will be vaccinated this month,” he added.
Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease that affects livestock and can also be transmitted to humans if infected animals are handled or consumed.