THE Matabeleland North Veterinary Directorate has lifted the foot and mouth disease (FMD) quarantine in Nkayi district after more than 18 months of movement restriction, following confirmation that the highly contagious livestock disease has been successfully contained.
The development is expected to bring relief to hundreds of cattle farmers whose livelihoods were disrupted by restrictions on livestock movement and trade imposed after the outbreak was detected in January 2024.
The quarantine, which affected multiple dip tanks across the district, was imposed under section 21(4)(a) of the Animal Health Act [Chapter 19:01] following the outbreak.
Matabeleland North provincial veterinary director Sitokozile Sibanda confirmed the lifting of the quarantine in a notification signed on April 14 and subsequently endorsed by Veterinary Services director Jairus Machakwa on June 2.
“The necessary clinical and serological surveillance has been carried out comprehensively and all results have returned negative,” the notification read.
“This confirms that there is no active circulation of foot and mouth disease in the affected areas.”
The Department of Veterinary Services, under the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry, said the decision followed rigorous verification procedures, including post-outbreak monitoring, vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance.
“The lifting of quarantine is based on scientific evidence gathered over time through field inspections, laboratory testing and epidemiological assessments,” the department said.
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“We are satisfied that Nkayi district has met the requirements for restoration to a clean animal health status.”
The restrictions affected dip tanks at Tshanke, Dabe, Sesemba, Tohwe, Nkubini, Sivomo, Sibuyu, Dolahali, Dakamela, Komayanga, Bhodabhoda, Nzuza, Katasa, Dangamberi and Sibangilizwe, disrupting cattle movement and livestock trading across the district.
Farmers are expected to benefit from the lifting of the quarantine, with authorities indicating that normal livestock movement and trade will gradually resume under standard veterinary regulations.
However, the department urged farmers to remain vigilant and continue observing biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
