April 29, 2011

Zimbabwe reports FMD outbreak in cattle

Zimbabwe's veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at Ingwizi Ranch in the country's province of Metabeleland South.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) had received a follow-up report No.2 on April 27. The affected population consists of cattle at a farm adjacent to previously infected communal areas.

A total of 60,878 cattle showed signs of susceptibility to the disease, out of which 15 cases were identified. No deaths were recorded, and no animals were destroyed.

According to the report, 15 cases were seen in a herd of 42 cattle examined. Suspected cases were reported from six dip tanks in the area. Details are not yet available as investigations are still ongoing. The whole district is at risk.

Contact with infected animals at grazing/watering has been identified as the primary source of the outbreak. Animals are suspected to have been in contact with carrier cattle from the previous outbreak in the area in May 2010. Investigations are still continuing. Samples are yet to be tested to confirm if it is part of the same event.