Magoye MP calls for lifting of ban on livestock movement

Magoye MP calls for lifting of ban on livestock movement
By Henry Chibulu in Mazabuka
Sunday July 13, 2008 [04:00]

MAGOYE member of parliament Ben Mweemba has called on the government to immediately lift the ban imposed on the movement of livestock and livestock products from Mazabuka. The veterinary department imposed a ban on the movement of livestock in Mazabuka three months ago following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in chiefs Hanjalika and Mwanachingwala’s areas.

Mweemba said yesterday that the ban did not serve its purpose because cattle traders were allegedly violating it by transporting carcasses to Lusaka using trucks without the veterinary department taking necessary steps.

He said the traders were passing through the Kafue bridge security checkpoint without problems, despite police officers being fully aware of the ban.
Mweemba said the government should investigate why security officers were working with unscrupulous livestock traders to transport meat illegally into Lusaka.

He also said failure by the government to provide the veterinary office in the district with necessary logistics to mount roadblocks to stop the illegal movement of livestock and its products by unscrupulous traders had made it difficult to contain the deadly animal disease.
Mweemba disclosed that farmers in his constituency were now selling cattle at giveaway prices because of the immense suffering brought about by the ban.
Mweemba said animals that were previously sold at K1.2 million were now pegged at K400,000.

And cattle traders at BATA Cooperative in Mazabuka have opened the abbatoir and have started slaughtering animals.
This follows the expiry of the 24-hour ultimatum given to the veterinary department to lift the suspension.
Nansenga ward councillor, Jonathan Mufaya yesterday said cattle traders resolved to take the law into their hands if the government did not lift the suspension on the movement of cattle.

But Mazabuka District commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba cautioned the cattle traders from breaking with law with impunity.
Meanwhile, the veterinary department has continued the vaccination of cattle against FMD in chiefs Hanjalika and Mwanachingwala’s areas.
A check by ZANIS at the Mazabuka veterinary office found officers preparing to go in the field on their motorbikes laden with boxes of FMD vaccines.