Zambia’s Southern Province recorded deaths of more than 80 heads of cattle from East Coast fever, while Northern Province is on alert following the renewed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Authorities in both provinces imposed a ban on the movement of livestock to contain the spread of disease.

“We suspended any movement of livestock in and out of Mbala district because of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the area,” said Northern Province minister, Brian Mundubile.

Southern Province veterinary officer Charles Maseka said East Coast fever is concentrated in the Choma district, where 377 animals are being treated after the deaths of 87 heads of cattle.

“Farmers must adhere to field officers’ advice to approach them when they have concerns about their animals,” Maseka urged farmers. The department stepped up surveillance for the prevention and control of East Coast fever which is typical during the rainy season.

Maseka said affected areas are vast, making it hard for extension officers to reach it. “Some of these camps are too large and needed to be demarcated so that the extension officers could easily reach farmers,” he said.

• Please mail news@24com-prod-africanfarming.azurewebsites.net with any news leads