Malawi Vaccinates 30k Cattle in Lilongwe
MALAWI - The Government of Malawi has announced that 30,000 heads of cattle have received vaccination against foot and mouth disease (FMD). However, lifting a ban of slaughtering of infected animals in Lilongwe, Dedza and Ntcheu has been ruled out.
8 October 2018
1 minute read
The Ministry of Agriculture banned the slaughter as well as movement of animals in the three cities as a result of an outbreak of FMD, reports Nyasa Times.
Dr Patrick Chikungwa, a director at the department of animal health which falls under under the agricultural ministry said that the vaccination of 30,000 cattle is a step in the fight against foot and mouth disease.
Dr Chikwunga said, "We will review the ban after we do some tests." He said that the second phase of the vaccination has taken place, which means that the third and final step could be conducted anytime soon.
However, he has not been able to confirm the exact date for the final tests which should precede the lifting of the ban, saying his department is closely monitoring the situation.
According to Nyasa Times, these comments have come amid concerns from animal owners and slaughterhouses who have been financially crippled by the ban.
The government has lifted the ban in Neno, Mwanza and Blantyre, which were also hit by FMD last year.
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