Government has declared the anthrax outbreak in the country as an emergency.
Livestock and Fisheries Minister Makozo Chikote has made the declaration pursuant to Section 63 of the Animal Health Act.
Mr. Chikote says the declaration of the anthrax outbreak as an emergency means that certain measures will now be put in place to control the disease in affected areas.
According to the Government Gazette number 1555 issued today, movement of live animals from Western, Southern and Lumezi Districts in Eastern Province has been banned to facilitate for massive vaccination of animals.
Mr. Chikote says movement of live animals and animal by-products will only be allowed from feedlots, bulking centers and farms enclosed within a fence with approval by the Department of Veterinary Services.
He says all cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys in outbreak areas in Eastern, Southern and Western Provinces will now undergo mandatory vaccinations.
Mr. Chikote has further announced a ban on hunting of wildlife and movement of wildlife species in the affected provinces.
He says surveillance of wild animals has been heightened in outbreak areas.
Mr. Chikote however says the measures taken do not apply to poultry and fish.
Source: ZNBC
