The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has denied media reports suggesting it declared the removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Red Line) impossible.

Southern Zambia is grappling with a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak linked to illegal cattle movements from a neighbouring country. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s Principal Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Charles Maseka, confirmed cases in seven districts.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has received a fleet of vehicles under the Livestock Support Programme to strengthen veterinary services in the Northern Communal Areas.

Amid persistent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in neighbouring countries, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has urged livestock farmers to remain vigilant against any disease incursions that could threaten the country's FMD-free zone.

The movement of dried meat of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wild animals is now allowed into the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) free zone without a veterinary permit, provided that all portions of the meat are cooked and free of blood.

The offices of the Directorate of Veterinary Services at Rundu are flooded with the sewage water.

Administrative Officer Ericah Geingos says the situation is posing a hazard and needs urgent intervention.