Berea, April 24 — The District Disaster Management Team (DDMT) held a meeting on Friday to discuss strategies for raising awareness about Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as they await the national response plan.
Speaking during the meeting, veterinarian, Dr. Lebohang Morake confirmed that cases of FMD have been detected at Ha Mokhothu and Ha Koali, raising concern among livestock farmers in the district.
Dr. Morake said the team has already taken initial steps to address the situation, including sensitising the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), engaging local radio platforms to spread awareness and working with the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association.
She further indicated that the team will roll out community sensitisation campaigns across various councils in Berea from April 28 until the end of May.
Dr. Morake explained that these efforts are aimed at preventing further spread of the disease, which poses a serious threat to livestock and farmers livelihoods.
She warned that wool and mohair farmers, as well as meat producers, will be significantly affected, as exports require clearance in the form of veterinary permits, approval from marketing authorities and certification from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development.
The DDMT emphasised the importance of community cooperation in controlling the outbreak and protecting the district’s agricultural sector.
Ends/MTM/tl
