By Elita Nkalo
The Ministry of Agriculture has uplifted all restrictions that were imposed on livestock due to foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Mchinji district.
This follows a remarkable progress made after the successful monitoring of the disease control measures that were employed in the district.
In a press release signed by the secretary for Agriculture, Water and Irrigation, Grey Nyandule Phiri, there are no more new cases of the disease in the district.
” Recently conducted survailance indicates that there are no new cases detected in the outbreak areas following a completion of vaccination in all high risk areas” , said Nyandule Banda.
He adds ” In conformity with the regulations under the control and animal disease act (Cap 66:02) and guidelines by the World Health Organisation (WHO) the ministry announces that it has resumed the slaughter and sale of all livestock in the district”.
The Ministry has also lifted temporary suspension of all livestock markets in the district and removed restriction of livestock and livestock products movement in the affected areas within the district by following appropriate procedures.
However as one way of preventing future outbreaks Nyandule Banda says farmers are advised to report any suspected cases of FMD and other sicknesses of their neareast agriculture offices.