Zebaldt Ngaruka

EPUKIRO – In response to the increase of lumpy skin disease cases in the Omaheke region’s Otjinene constituency, livestock movements have been restricted, effective 4 February 2025.

In a statement released by the Otjinene State Veterinarian Dr Pakaa Kapimbua the restrictions are in line with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011 and apply to Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region, which falls under the Otjinene District Veterinary Services.

Cattle movements from the affected area is allowed on the condition that they are not showing signs of the disease, and have been vaccinated at least 21 days before a movement.

“These restrictions also apply to the animals entering the affected area; they must have been vaccinated at least 21 days before such movement,” Kapimbua said.

The control measures, exclude animals destined for direct slaughter or clinically-healthy cattle.

Farmers are advised to follow the protocol in place, and administer supportive treatments like antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to the affected cattle.

Asked whether the district has lumpy skin doses in place, Kapimbua said they are still waiting for the doses from the line ministry to commence with the vaccination campaign.

“We have requested the doses from the agriculture ministry, and we don’t know when exactly they will be delivered. The bureaucracy involved in acquiring the vaccines might delay the process,” he said.

However, Kapimbua advised farmers who bought doses to follow the instructions carefully, and inject their animals as required.

“All the auctions are cancelled. We are working closely with farmers’ associations and cooperatives in the area to control the disease,” he said.

Meanwhile, some parts of the Omaheke’s Otjombinde constituency were put under quarantine last week due to the increase of the lumpy skin disease while the region’s veterinary service officials are monitoring the areas of Epukiro and Eiseb Block.

This reporter is reliably informed that about six cattle were detected with lumpy skin disease in Epukiro’s Ozombouvapa village.

Lumpy skin disease is a vector-borne, infectious,and occasionally fatal disease of cattle that is spread by biting insects and characterised by nodules on the skin and other parts of the body.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com