Western Province has received 59,000 anthrax vaccines to curb the further spread of anthrax in the Nalolo District.
Western Province Livestock Officer Stephen Tembo confirmed the development adding that at the moment veterinary officers in Nalolo district are already on the ground carrying out vaccination exercise.
He indicated that over 7000 herds of cattle have been vaccinated during the exercise.
He further said with the help of various government cooperating partners, there is hope that anthrax will be contained in the province.
Dr . Tembo said this when he led a team from the BreakThrough Action Zambia paid a courtesy call on Nalolo District Commissioner, Namatama Mupo in the district.
“As you are aware madam that our province is endemic to anthrax as such Breakthrough Action Zambia with its partners is supplementing government efforts in ensuring sensitization programmes on zoonotic diseases are enhanced.
“Our office working together with the Ministry of Health has recorded transmission of anthrax in human beings due to the consumption of anthrax infected carcasses especially in Luampa, Mongu and Nalolo districts respectively,” he said.
And Breakthrough Action Zambia Director, Felix Mpundu said his organisation in partnership with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) is promoting a multi-sectorial response to the public health threats originating from the animal- human environment interface to reduce the risks.
“We have formed technical working groups composed of technical representatives from various ministries, NGOs, the local authorities, the traditional leadership and strategic partners who cover thematic areas such as governance and coordination, surveillance, preparedness and response, advocacy, communication and training as well as research.
“The aim of these technical working groups is to improve health and wellness through the prevention of risks and the mitigation of the effects of crises that originate at the interface between humans, animals and their environments,” Mr Mpundu explained.
The organization has so far formed technical working groups in Luampa, Mongu, Senanga and now Nalolo in Western province that are making strides in a continuing with massive sensitisation towards the control of zoonotic diseases such as rabies and anthrax in the districts.
“So far, the provincial technical working group from Mongu has carried out sensitisation meetings in Nalolo central business district, Nasiwayo and Mukukutu areas in the locality. These programmes are ongoing until all the districts with records of anthrax are reached.
“At the moment, Breakthrough Action Zambia is distributing anthrax pamphlets and leaflets both in English and Silozi to various communities in Mongu and Nalolo districts so that a wider coverage is achieved. This coverage has included programmes on Oblate radio Liseli which has a wider listenership in the region,” Mr Mpundu said.
Nalolo District Commissioner, Namatama Mupo has thanked cooperating partners assisting government in trying to combat cattle diseases such as anthrax and contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) in the province.
Ms. Mupo said her office has recorded reports of being infested with anthrax after consumption of the carcasses especially in Litoya and Nanjuma.
She has requested Breakthrough Action Zambia to cover the breadth and the width of the district as it has more cattle especially in the west bank of the Zambezi River.
