20 Mar 2024

There are no signs of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in zones 6a and 6b, says North East District Council chairperson, Mr Kudzani Tobokwani.

Addressing district councillors on Monday, Mr Tobokwani said a dossier on investigations conducted was submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health in February.

On other issues related to FMD, he said 32 of the 63 cattle suspected to be from Botswana and held by Zimbabwean authorities were released and found their way back.

He said police and Department of Veterinary Services officials managed to identify the cattle and that they were shot and burned as the law required. Regarding livestock straying into Zimbabwe, Mr Tobokwani urged communities residing along the border fence to be aware of the presence of FMD in Zimbabwe and to control the movement of their  livestock.

On other issues, he said, the district continued to bring services closer to people and that the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Francistown Academic Hospital, has embarked on an eye operation campaign which was conducted at Masunga Primary Hospital.

He said the aim of the campaign was to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting eye operations in North East, Tutume and Greater Francistown.

He added that 150 patients had been operated out of which 85 patients were from the North East District. On other health related issues, he said cholera remained a threat in the district although no case has reported, urging members of the community to be vigilant and ensure hygiene in their homes and surroundings.

Regarding the provision of safety nets, he said, the district had 3 145 beneficiaries registered on welfare programmes which included 1 208 destitute persons, 605 orphans, 999 needy pupils, 19 Community Home Based clients and 132 children in need of care.

He stated that the department had 70 needy students at brigades and technical colleges who were assisted with a monthly living allowance of P1 100. ENDS