August 28, 2010
FMD spreads to southern Zimbabwe
An FMD outbreak has been reported in Zimbabwe's southern Beitbridge District on suspicion that the disease could have originated from 25 buffaloes that strayed from nearby South Africa's Kruger National Park.
According to veterinary officials, the buffaloes are suspected to have had contact with cattle from the Tshikwalakwala area of Zimbabwe this year, resulting in the spread of the disease in other areas of the district through cattle sales.
Zimbabwe has a sizable herd of cattle estimated at 5.2 million. Cattle remain a source of wealth for both small holders and commercial farmers in the country.
