EPUKIRO – The movement of livestock has been restricted effective from Tuesday, following the increase in lumpy skin disease cases in both Eiseb Block and Epukiro constituency of the Omaheke region.

The area’s veterinarian, Dr Seuakouje Veii, told Nampa these are controlled movements, not total restrictions.

“The lumpy skin disease cases in Epukiro were very low, but increased drastically after the vaccination campaign. This was surprising, and we received calls from many farmers reporting about the sick cattle,” said Veii.

An auction that was supposed to take place on Wednesday was called off due to the increase in the number of cases.

“We are left with no other option but to restrict animal movement. The area where the auction is taking place is in the proximity of the affected villages like Okomumbonde, Ovinjuru, Ongootura and many other areas close to Epukiro Post 3,” she said.

She added that most places had been covered during the vaccination campaign, with only two villages in Epukiro still to be visited. She urged farmers to report to their office when they encounter cattle with lumpy skin, as vaccines are still available.

Veii said there are not many cases in Eiseb Block, but the infected cattle are roaming freely in the area.

“We have noticed many cattle without identification ear tags crossing roads, and it is also difficult to locate the owners. These are some of the problems we are facing in Eiseb Block,” she said adding that no cases had been reported yet from the vaccinated areas, but more had been reported in villages where cattle had not been treated.

“We are still on the ground and we are requesting cooperation from the farmers so that we can tackle the situation together. We are trying to contain the disease, and these restrictions are to benefit all,” the veterinarian said.

Veii also warned the public against consuming meat from cattle that died of lumpy skin disease.

“The stipulated protocols during this period must be adhered to until the situation normalises,” she said. -Nampa