Auleria Wakudumo

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the outbreak of lung disease in the Kunene region.  At least eight cattle from a herd of 30 tested positive for the disease, and one of the animals died.

Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), commonly known as lung disease, was detected in Okapundja village on 1 July 2024. 

The disease affects the membranes lining the thoracic cavity of cattle and water buffalo. 

It causes fever and respiratory symptoms such as laboured or rapid breathing, coughing and nasal discharge. 

Due to its high contagion and mortality rate of up to 50%, it results in significant economic losses.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services said, the disease spreads through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals. 

“Since some animals can carry the disease without showing signs of illness, controlling the spread is more difficult. It cannot be treated, and infected cattle remain a source of further infection to other cattle. Humans are not known to be susceptible to lung sickness, so there is no public health risk,” stated a document issued to the press earlier this week.

To safeguard the livestock industry, the Directorate, in accordance with the Animal Health Act, Act 1 of 2011, has implemented measures, including animal movement restrictions within and out of the Opuwo Urban constituency.

“The movement of cattle lung tissues from slaughtered cattle within and out of the Opuwo Urban constituency is prohibited. All cattle-gathering activities in Opuwo Urban constituency are suspended until further notice. Active CBPP disease surveillance activities will commence to establish the extent of the disease, and farmers are requested to cooperate and present their livestock for inspection. 

“Roadblocks will be set up at strategic points to ensure compliance with the above measures, and members of the public are urged to cooperate,” reads the document. 

All farmers in the constituency with unvaccinated animals are urged to take their animals for mandatory CBPP vaccination. 

The Directorate of Veterinary Services further urged farmers and the general public to cooperate and assist with enforcing the measures implemented to control this outbreak.

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