14 Apr 2016

An official from the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Phenyo Molalawesi has appealed to farmers in Mogorosi to build toilets at their lands and cattle-posts in an endeavour to help end the spread of measles.

Speaking in a kgotla meeting addressed by area Member of Parliament, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi recently, Dr Molalawesi said measles was a serious concern and a threat to the economy hence the need to put measures in place to avoid its spread.

He said the number of cattle affected by the disease was alarming and implored farmers to consider all available avenues to end the disease.

Dr Molalawesi not only requested farmers to erect toilets at their farming areas, but he also encouraged them to give medication to their cattle as required.

On other issues, Dr Molalawesi informed residents that they were faced with acute shortage of transport at their department which may slow down their response. He noted that ideally veterinary officials should respond to any outbreak in 24 hours.

He informed farmers that upon collecting swabs from animals it takes 15 days at the labs before results could be released to their offices.

He said upon receipt of the results it would take officials up to three days to deliver the results to the farmer.

However, he said all these were impeded by shortage of vehicles hence he appealed to resourced farmers to assist in the transportation of officers in order to respond timely to outbreaks.

He revealed that they have a single vehicle in Thabala which was in a bad condition and only two in Serowe.

Dr Molalawesi appealed for patience since veterinary officers could not diagnose animals on the scene but needed tests to guide them.

Dr Molalawesi was responding to farmers who alleged that veterinary officers were slow to respond to their reports of disease outbreaks.

Farmers also alleged that officers rendered biased services towards the resourced few. ENDS