The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has lifted the livestock movement ban in Eastern Province following the containment of the foot and mouth disease in the Provinces.
Speaking during a press briefing Minister in Charge Professor Nkandu Lou said her Ministry needs about 86 million Kwacha for the procurement of 2.1 million vaccines.
“However, we are going to enforce and ensure that when animals are being moved and the individuals moving the are protected through the washing of hands and vehicles being disinfected will continue’’ She said.
She adds that the ministry is working to contain the foot and mouth virus serotype O which originated from the neighboring country of Tanzania and came into the country through Mbala.
“We will announce the reduction in the outbreak of disease in the three provinces next week after the staff in the ministry check on the preventions measures that have been put up”
Meanwhile Professor Luo said the foot and mouth disease has not had any impact on beef exports because commercial farmers have not been affected by the outbreak of the diseases and they are able to exports beef products without any difficulties.
She adds that most of the farmers adversely affected by the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease are small scale farmers that wholly depend on government support for vaccines.
She has since advised farmers in the country to adhere to the ban on the movement of Livestock if the disease is to be contained.