Harare, (New Ziana) – The livestock sector in Zimbabwe has been placed on high alert following the confirmation of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South province, raising serious concerns over animal health, cross-border transmission, and the livelihoods of farming communities.
In a press release, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (VSD) confirmed that the outbreak was officially reported on 5 January this year, with investigations pointing to the Maholi and Hamanavale dip tanks in Mangwe as the epicentre.
The affected area lies close to the Botswana border, a factor believed to have contributed to the spread of the highly contagious disease.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations suggest that the likely source of infection may have been buffaloes that strayed into communal grazing areas approximately two months before the outbreak was detected.
Wildlife is known to be a natural reservoir of the virus, which poses persistent challenges to disease control in border districts.
“Clinical signs consistent with Foot-and-Mouth Disease were observed across multiple age groups of cattle, with 54 confirmed cases recorded from a census of 2,403 animals. Laboratory tests conducted using solid-phase ELISA confirmed the presence of FMD SAT 1 serotype. Further laboratory analysis is ongoing, with epithelial tissue samples sent to a reference laboratory in Botswana for virus typing and vaccine matching, a critical step in guiding effective vaccination strategies,” said the VSD.
In response to the outbreak, the VSD has swiftly rolled out a range of containment and control measures, including strict quarantine enforcement, movement restrictions on livestock, targeted vaccination within a 20-kilometre radius of the affected areas, and intensified surveillance in and around Mangwe district.
Authorities have also launched awareness campaigns to educate farmers and communities on early detection, reporting procedures, and biosecurity practices.
The VSD emphasized its commitment to transparency and collaboration, assuring stakeholders that regular updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Farmers, traders, and the general public have been urged to comply fully with control measures to prevent further spread of the disease, which can have devastating economic consequences if left unchecked.
New Ziana
