10 May 2020

Recently, principal veterinary officer, Dr Odireleng Thololwane has said about 200 animals, mostly goats, around Lake Ngami were reported to have affected by stable fly of which 15 died.

He said an assessment was conducted at the area and farmers were advised to continue dipping, adding that the stable fly could be contained and controlled because winter season was approaching.

The fly sucks animal blood from head, ears, legs, belly and sides.

In an interview, one of the farmers, Mr Mutombua Kaazimukua of Ruhua cattle post confirmed that they had managed to control the fly by using insecticides and dipping.

About 20 of his cattle, he said were affected by the insect, adding he was fortunate, however, that none of the animals died.

Another farmer, Mr David Pata concurred that the stable fly was under control as winter was approaching. Mr Pata said 15 of his cattle were affected but they had recovered because of dipping.

He also noted that recently, some farmers experienced a locust outbreak around the lake but no damaged was caused.

Nevertheless, he feared that locusts could destroy the grazing land as it fed on grass and crops.

Meanwhile, Mr Pata appreciated that they would receive water flow at the lake even though the water would cover the good vegetation for livestock.

On one hand, Mr Zachariah Nguvauva of Sehithwa, who is the farmers’ committee chairperson, noted that the most hard-hit areas by the stable fly outbreak were Toteng, Machaba and Thololamoro. He noted that the effects had been reduced as farmers continued dipping.

Some, he said, practiced traditional methods such as burning of cow dung to control the stable fly.

Mr Nguvauva recalled that the last outbreak which caused serious harm to farmers was experienced in 2017. ENDS