Ohangwena livestock movement ban William J. Mbangula Thursday, June 5, 2014 - 08:00 News The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) has announced contingency measures against foot and mouth disease in Ohangwena Region following the tracking down of African buffaloes in Ongenga and Okongo Constituencies respectively. In a statement issued by the acting permanent secretary Anna Shiweda, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is placed under strict instructions to carry out precautionary measures against the spread of the disease. This will be done in line with the National Foot and Mouth disease contingency plan as per Act No.1 of 2011. Such measures include among others the immediate cessation of movement of livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and pigs) from Ohangwena Region, cancellation and recall of all livestock movements permits issued by the DVS for livestock movement out of Ohangwena, immediate commencement of livestock surveillance activities in Ohangwena, mounting of roadblocks and temporary fences in and around Ohangwena, and closure of Oshakati Meatco Abattoir for cattle from Ohangwena. The African buffalo are known to be carriers of foot and mouth disease virus which can be transmitted to domestic animals. A lone buffalo was tracked down at Okamanya village in Okongo Constituency on 24 May. It was also seen roaming around Omupembe and Ondema villages in the same constituency before it was put down. Two villagers, Moses Matheus, 53, from Ombuwa Yomuhongo and Jonas Johannes Sheekuli,19, from Omupembe were slightly injured in the legs by stray bullets fired by government officials who were chasing the marauding animal at Okamanya village. A similar surprise visit by the wild animal was experienced at Onangama village in Ongenga Constituency in Ohangwena Region were a villager was attacked and injured by a buffalo while he was enjoying his time at shebeens.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:00:00 +0000
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