July 12, 2006

Cattle skin disease hits Zimbabwean cows

Zimbabwe has been hit by a lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak which is affecting cattle across the country, a local newspaper reported on Tuesday (Jul 11).

The Department of Veterinary Services principal director Stuart Hargreaves urged farmers to vaccinate their cattle against the disease.

He said the disease was not confined to Zimbabwe and has been reported in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Egypt is also grappling with the disease in its cattle herd. 

Although LSD is not a major threat to the national herd as the indigenous breeds were more resistant to the disease, prevention would be better than cure, Hargreaves said.

Besides LSD, the country also has to deal with hyperinflation. The prices of beef in the country nearly tripled over the past two weeks.