Maseru, Mar 2 – In response to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease that has left farmers with sickly cattle, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security held a press briefing in Maseru on Monday.
Speaking at the conference the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Thabo Mofosi narrated reported incidents of the outbreak that were reported earlier in February which led to testing of 6 cattle that were suspected to have lumpy skin Disease.
The reported cattle were all from Letlapeng in the Qacha’s Nek district where they all tested negative from the disease.
However, out of the six cattle that were tested two tested positive of foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Minister highlighted that on February 18th at Butha-Buthe district, specifically in Mahlasela Motebong Livestock officials tested 17 livestock that appeared to be sick.
Upon completion of testing, the results showed that six animals were positive of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
“Such animals were quarantined together to prevent them from infecting those that had not been infected,” he said.
He mentioned that his ministry and veterinary doctors will invite experts from South Africa Botswana to assist in fighting the disease.
“We also want to improve on our way of transporting animals from one place to another by making sure that animals that are already sick are not transported anyway but remain in one place.
He added that sick livestock does not only affect meat and dairy production but also wool and mohair.
He mentioned that production of Wool and mohair will be affected as some small stock might be sick though not visible.
Moreover, he showed that wool and mohair production will still be regulated to avoid issues that may hinder it being exported.
He urged animal farmers to regularly monitor their animals, identify virus and vaccinated whenever possible.
At the same briefing the Animal Health and Inspector Dr. Keneuoe Lehloenya pointed out that most animal diseases are identified from South Africa and are quickly spread into Lesotho as a neighbour which affect the already prone animals in Lesotho.
As prevention measure veterinarian Dr. Pabolo Nonyane revealed that entry of animals across border into Lesotho have been prohibited and education material such as pamphlets and public gathering are utilised to prevent spread of the disease.
The Lesotho Mounted Police Senior Superintendent (Snr. Supt.)Boipuso Monne showed that his Ministry and department ensures regulations of movement of livestock.
Snr. Supt. Monne explained that animals crossing border without proper documentation violates the law.
He therefore called on Basotho to report any livestock moved illegally so that authorities acts accordingly.
Ends/REM/MAF.
