Fight against anthrax: Citizens urged to take a lead

The Fight against Anthrax should not be left to the Government alone if we are to eradicate the disease completely as it is the responsibility of every citizen United Party for National Development (UPND) Chairperson for Livestock Credo Nanjuwa has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Nanjuwa, who is also Southern Province Minister, said all members of the community had a role to play in safeguarding their livestock and human lives.

He said all suspicious beef transactions should be reported immediately as the Government had declared the anthrax disease as an emergency.

 “All members of the community need to step in and not leave the fight against anthrax to the Government alone. The Government has put in place measures of vaccinating livestock and all citizens should ensure they report suspected cases of anthrax disease and kill the animals which are suspected of having the disease.

“Any suspicious movement of animals or beef transactions should be reported as the anthrax outbreak has been declared as an emergency for control purposes and any person or farmer that will be found or reported to have been in possession of beef transactions will face the law,” Mr. Nanjuwa said.

He said community sensitization programs were cardinal in the face of the disease which had been threatening to decapitate the animal population in many parts of the country.

“We will continue with community sensitization programs because this disease is still threatening our animal population. Citizens should also supplement the Government sensitization programs on the dangers of anthrax to both human beings and livestock. However, more doses of anthrax vaccines will continue to be delivered,” he said.

He said the Government, together with the veterinary officers, will ensure all livestock are vaccinated adding that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has been involved in coming up with incentives to help the affected farmers in his province.

“Every livestock farmer should ensure that their animals such as goats, cattle, and sheep are vaccinated during the on-going massive vaccination exercises so that the disease does not spread to other areas or affects other animals,” he said.

He said the Government was committed to protecting people’s lives and their livestock through massive livestock vaccinations.