In the serene landscapes of Manicaland province, an incident has recently unfolded that underscores a pressing challenge within Zimbabwe’s agricultural framework.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has issued a grave caution to all stakeholders in the cattle industry: illicit transportation of livestock is not merely a regulatory infraction, it is a formidable menace to the health of our national animal stock.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prof O. Jiri, addressed the public via a tweet, articulating the severity of this issue. “Persistent illegal movements pose a substantial threat to disease control efforts,” he stated. “Last week, authorities intercepted 14 heads of cattle at Mayo in Manicaland province, leading to the issuance of a destruction order. Adhering to prescribed regulations and procedures is crucial.”
The stipulates: the movement of livestock without a veterinary permit is strictly prohibited. This mandate ensures protection against diseases such as foot-and-mouth, anthrax, and theileriosis, safeguarding not only the animals but also the economic stability of the families that depend on them.
Over the previous year, the Department of Veterinary Services has dutifully executed these regulations, albeit with a sense of sorrow, by destroying 81 cattle that were found to be in contravention. This action serves as a grim testament to the fact that unregulated animal transit can inadvertently become a vector for disease, thereby unsettling the equilibrium of our essential livestock sector.
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