Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO Province has been hit by an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) with Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts recording about 20 cases a week, an official has confirmed.

Department of Veterinary Services provincial officer Ernest Dzimwasha said the problem could be worsened by the continued shortage of vaccines brought about by the prevailing economic challenges. “We have a serious FMD problem in the whole province and it could be worse if no effective measures are taken. The issue of FMD is a national issue,” Dzimwasha said.

The province has about 1,4 million head of cattle out of the national herd of 5,4 million, according to June 2015 figures.

Masvingo Beef Farmers’ Association chairperson Robert Makado told The Chronicle that all the districts in the province are affected, with Mwenezi and Chiredzi in dire need of help.

“We have received reports of serious foot and mouth outbreaks in Mwenezi and Chiredzi with Masvingo reporting an upsurge. The affected districts record at least 20 cases a week,” said Makado. “As farmers we’re in a dilemma now. Some of us have cattle numbering more than 100 and thus we stand to lose more than others.”

He said the fact that the government’s regulations stipulate that vaccines can only be accessed from the Department of Veterinary Services was not helping matters. “Vaccines can only be accessed at the Department of Veterinary Services. That should be addressed so that vaccines can also be accessed in our local shops,” he said.

Masvingo North MP Cde Davison Marapira who is also Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister responsible for crops said farmers in his constituency were also affected.