Following months of uncertainty after an outbreak of contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, commonly known as lung sickness, local farmers can now move their livestock in and around the Northern Communal Areas.

The ministry of agriculture yesterday informed farmers about the lifting of the control measures which were imposed following an outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, commonly known as lung sickness, which occurred in most parts of the NCA since February 2022.

Lung sickness is caused by the mycoplasma mycoides bacteria, and
attacks the lungs of susceptible animals. In Africa, it is known to cause greater losses of cattle than any other disease.

The disease was first detected in the Ncamagoro and Musese constituencies of the Kavango West Region on 28 February 2022. It was later confirmed in Kavango East, Ohangwena and Oshikoto (north of the veterinary cordon fence), and Omusati and Kunene (north of the veterinary
cordon fence).

“For the purpose of controlling this outbreak, the following measures were instituted, namely movement restrictions of live cattle, vaccination of cattle, as well as disease surveillance in all affected regions,” said the ministry’s executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata in a statement released to the media.

The disease is mainly spread through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals through inhaling droplets disseminated by coughing. 

It has been reported that in Africa,
lung sickness is known to cause greater losses of cattle than any other disease, as it may result in a death rate of more than
50%.

Nghituwamata said to date, the mass vaccination of cattle in all affected regions has been completed, achieving a 94% coverage.

The ministry cautioned farmers and the general public that despite the lifting of movement restrictions, other disease control activities will continue. Farmers are also required by law to report any suspicious cases of lung sickness to the nearest state veterinary office.