Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ester Mbathera
Published on 2024-03-20 13:56:45
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has conducted an investigation into the mass death of cattle in the Zambezi region. Between June and October 2023, a total of 585 cattle died in the Kabe South constituency, with reports emerging from various villages including Ikaba, Nsundwa, Ihaha, Nakabolelwa, Ivilivinzi, Muyoyeta, Kasika, Mbalasinte, Nantungu, and Nankuntwe.
The ministry took proactive steps by initiating an investigation to identify the cause of death, evaluate the extent of the issue, and formulate effective control measures. Chief veterinary officer Albertina Shilongo led a team of veterinary experts who visited 23 cattle posts in 12 crush-pen areas across the region. They gathered information on the health status of the animals, including clinical signs, vaccination history, grazing conditions, and mortality rates.
The investigation revealed that a significant number of the deceased cattle were either old, pregnant, lactating, or young animals. Moreover, more than 80% of the cattle examined were in subpar condition due to inadequate grazing pasture. The predominant cause of the cattle deaths was attributed to drought, particularly during periods of poor grazing. Post-mortem examinations identified liver fluke, heartwater, pasteurellosis, black quarter, and worm infestation as contributing factors to the fatalities.
It was also discovered that many farmers had not vaccinated or dewormed their livestock against common diseases and worm infestation, nor did they provide essential feed supplements during dry seasons. In response to these findings, the government allocated N$2.8 million for the procurement of vaccines, dewormers, minerals, vitamins, and antibiotics. Vaccination campaigns targeting diseases such as anthrax, botulism, and black quarter were carried out, covering 99% of the targeted cattle population in the eastern part of the Zambezi region.
Additionally, training programs were conducted for farmers to enhance their understanding of proper herd health management practices. Shilongo emphasized the importance of farmers promptly reporting any livestock deaths to DVS officials to prevent further losses.
Overall, the investigative efforts of the Directorate of Veterinary Services shed light on the underlying causes of the mass cattle deaths in the Zambezi region and paved the way for targeted interventions to mitigate future occurrences. Through a combination of vaccination campaigns, farmer training programs, and financial support, the ministry aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of livestock in the affected areas. By working collaboratively with farmers and stakeholders, the DVS is committed to safeguarding the livestock industry and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.
Read the original article on The Namibian
