Foot-and-mouth disease hits Buhera, Chikomba

The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. It is caused by one of seven serotypes of the virus, which can cause different symptoms in affected animals.

In Buhera district in Manicaland province and Chikomba district in Mashonaland East province, an outbreak of FMD has occurred. This has led to the government prohibiting the movement of livestock from these districts to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.

FMD can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions, as well as through contaminated feed and water. Symptoms in affected animals include fever, loss of appetite, lameness, and blisters on the hooves, mouth, and nose.

The outbreak in Buhera and Chikomba has caused significant economic losses for farmers who have lost their livestock due to the disease. The government has taken measures to control the spread of the disease by implementing strict quarantine measures and providing vaccines to affected animals.

It is important for farmers and animal owners to take precautions to prevent the spread of FMD, such as properly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and facilities, avoiding contact with infected animals, and reporting any suspected cases to the authorities.