Government has officially launched the 2024 Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccination campaign in Shangombo District of Western Province.
Shangombo is among the 16 districts in the province where cattle will be vaccinated for Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia disease.
Speaking during the launch of the vaccination campaign at Musa crushpen, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Makoza Chikote said the CBPP is a threat to livestock production in Western province.
“It is an honour to launch the Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia vaccination as the CBPP disease poses a threat on livestock in Western province,” Mr Chikote said.
Mr Chikote revealed that in 2023, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia disease infected 16,269 cattle where 536 cattle died from CBPP complications.
“In 2023, 16,269 cattle were infected with the disease and about 536 cattle died from its complications,” he said.
Mr Chikote has disclosed that the government through Fisheries and Livestock, plans to vaccinate about 480,000 cattle in all the districts of Western province.
He added that 525,000 doses of CBPP Vaccine already in the province is a clear indication of the government’s efforts to control livestock diseases.
“The 525,000 doses of CBPP vaccine in the province is an indication of the government’s effort to promote and control diseases,” Mr Chikote said.
Speaking at the same event, Shangombo District Commissioner, Mubita Siyamana has thanked the government for the efforts they are making to mitigate poverty in the district especially with livestock farmers.
“I would like to thank you honourable for the efforts you are making to fight poverty especially with livestock farmers,” Mr Siyamana said.
Mr Siyamana also disclosed that about three weeks ago, the ministry embarked on a vaccination exercise against foot and mouth disease because of the outbreak that was in Shangombo central verterinary camps.
“Three weeks ago we embarked on a vaccination exercise due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Shangombo veterinary camps where about 21,877 have since been vaccinated against the disease,” Mr Siyamana said.
He has since thanked the government for employing 28 cordon guards in Shangombo district to act as foot soldiers in the fight against Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia disease.
“I would like to thank the government for employing 28 cordon guards in our district who act as foot soldiers in the fight against Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia disease. The cordon guards have reported for work awaiting the construction of the cordon line,” Mr Siyamana said.
He said that the animals were last vaccinated for CBPP in 2021.
The Minister also paid a courtesy on the District Commissioner’s office where a number of issues were discussed such as the need to sensitize the community to avail their animals for vaccination.
