11 Sep 2016

Principal veterinary officer, Dr Comfort Nkgowe has clarified that the arrangement to vaccinate cattle in some selected crushes is meant to mitigate the risk of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This is to go on  while awaiting the award of  tender to a private company to carry out the vaccination.

He explained in an interview as some residents in the Ngami constituency expressed fears that the arrangement is not fair and would frustrate government efforts to control and contain the disease. They wished all the ranches could be vaccinated because they are along the buffalo fence. 

But Dr Nkgowe explained that the arrangement came after a decision to outsource vaccination campaign and they selected very risky areas to vaccinate cattle while tendering process continues.

He allayed fears and assured farmers and the Ngamiland community at large that vaccination would be carried out in the whole district. He also revealed that vaccination campaign in the selected crushes had started and expected it to be completed on September 21.

“It seems there was lack of information and understanding about the arrangement. We did not want to wait for the private company to come hence we selected risky areas to vaccinate,” he added.

He admitted that consultation with farmers’ associations were conducted but appreciated that it was late as the campaign was about to start.  He also pointed out that outsourcing was a step in the right direction as the idea is to assist and increase manpower at veterinary services which had been a serious challenge. 

Dr Nkgowe said the department had limited resources to fulfill its mandate and hoped outsourcing would have good benefits. He said his office would supervise the engaged company to ensure compliance and also complement where necessary. ENDS