The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has partially lifted the restriction on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products within the Zambezi Region. The restriction was imposed on the region after the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak was detected in cattle from three kraals in the region last month.

In a media statement, the ministry's Chief Veterinary Officer noted that the first round of cattle vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is almost complete, as 48,458 out of 52,480 cattle have been vaccinated within a 30-kilometre radius from Mbalasinte and Kasika villages.

Dr Albertina Shilongo says that since the infection is still in the eastern part of the region in Kabbe South constituency, even though the infected areas are the kraals in Mbalasinte and Kasika villages, the new Disease Management Area (DMA) is therefore in Kabbe South constituency, including 35 crushpens.

Control measures still in place include the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals and products from DMA to the rest of the region; several patrols have been strategically placed, and the re-vaccination of all cattle in the region will continue. Members of the public are urged to cooperate with veterinarians, while farmers are strongly urged to take their cattle for vaccination.