Vet Dept clears air on animal vaccine scam

The Veterinary Services Department has refuted accusations that some of its workers here were diverting vaccines sourced by the Government to the black market, compromising the health of livestock in the district.

The alleged scam was deliberated on during the recent provincial stakeholders’ development meeting.

Irate farmers accused veterinary officers of stealing vaccines for resale on black market, while their livestock were dying.

However, Masvingo provincial Veterinary Services Officer Dr Ernest Dzimwasha dismissed the accusation as baseless and unfounded.

“Let me set the record straight. We are not getting any supplies of animal vaccines from the Government through the parent ministry,” he said.

“In actual fact, some individual veterinary services officers in the districts are into the business of importing vaccines from Botswana, South Africa and other neighbouring countries for resale.

“By so doing, they will be assisting the community since there are no supplies from the ministry. The community does not know this and the assumption is that the imported drugs are from the Government. No. Our books are thoroughly audited. There is no room for such corrupt tendencies.”

He said the department cannot stop the officers from conducting personal business, which was also beneficial to the community.

“We are encouraging them to assist the community through importation of animal vaccines which are in short supply,” said Dr Dzimwasha.

Masvingo Beef Association provincial chairman Mr Robert Makhado said a rare disease had killed over 100 cattle in Gutu district.

“We desperately need Government assistance to stop our cattle from dying further,” he said.

Recently, small-scale farmers in Gutu district expressed concern during the meeting that their livestock, particularly cattle were dying in huge numbers due to critical shortages of affordable animal vaccines.

The Herald understands that stakeholders in the district have since requested Government to investigate Masvingo veterinary services officers over the alleged animal vaccine scam. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira, the District Administrator for Gutu, Mrs Chiedza Tafireyi, traditional leaders and councillors among others.