New FMD strain: Zim on high alert

Zimbabwe is on high alert following the emergence of new strains of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) serotypes O and A, which cause severe clinical diseases and deaths in pigs and small ruminants such as goats and sheep.

The strains — O and A — are new to SADC and pose a serious threat to livestock in the region, particularly small stock which is mainly owned by smallholder farmers.

The region is used to FMD outbreaks caused by Southern African Territory (SAT).

Outbreaks of the new strain have been recorded in Zambia, Tanzania, Comoros and the DRC.

Types O and A cause can be severe in wildlife and has caused deaths in gazelles and wild pigs.

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement’s Department of Veterinary Services Director Dr Josphat Nyika, who attended a recent SADC Livestock Technical Committee meeting in South Africa recently, said countries at risk included Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Malawi.

Dr Nyika said continued outbreaks will lead to loss of confidence in animal health management in SADC.

He said Zimbabwe had intensified FMD awareness campaigns, especially along border-lying areas.

“We are carrying out awareness campaigns along the border with Zambia and we are educating farmers on the new strain of the virus,” said Dr Nyika.

“Farmers along the border areas should ensure livestock do not cross into Zambia. We urge farmers to quickly report to the nearest veterinary offices if they suspect the disease or witness high mortalities of small ruminants.”

Dr Nyika said higher density livestock areas will require more bio security at farm level as these may favour endemicity of farm-to-farm transmission.

“Continued circulation of virus in the already affected populations in Zambia is a cause for serious concern.

“The risk of type O becoming endemic in Zambia is real if drastic measures are not taken,” he said.

“Livestock vaccination alone may be insufficient to stop circulation of FMD under conditions where small ruminants’ movements are uncontrolled or mobility is high.”

Dr Nyika said controlling the current epidemics in Zambia, Tanzania and DRC should be top priority for the region.

He said the costs of controlling type O and A could double vaccination costs.

SADC members states recently met in South Africa to come up with ways to prevent the spread of the serotypes O and A.

The meeting was a platform for sharing of information, experiences and knowledge on FMD serotypes O and A outbreaks; assess the response capacities and actions of member states; identify key constraints and opportunities for more effective response and collaborative management of FMD outbreaks in the region and develop a harmonised action plan and way forward in addressing current FMD outbreaks, among other issues.

Member states were targeting to come up with better and effective responses implemented for prevention, early detection and control of FMD outbreaks and emerging serotypes.

The meeting was also meant to equip member countries with skills on surveillance and reporting, ensuring improved awareness to the disease threats and required prevention and control measures.

Member countries also wanted to strengthen and harmonise regional preparedness against emerging FMD serotypes.

Representatives from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation also shared their perspectives on the FMD activities and situation in the region.