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Chronicle Reporter
THE Deputy Minister of Agriculture responsible for livestock, Paddy Zhanda, has turned the heat on private abattoirs and farmers accusing them of fuelling illegal cattle movement that results in the spread of animal diseases such as foot and mouth (FMD). Responding to the suspension of cattle sales and banning of cattle movement in the Matabeleland region over the FMD outbreak, Zhanda came short of describing the move as “an act of sabotage” by errant cattle dealers and buyers who continue to flout veterinary regulations for selfish profit-driven motives.

“There’s nothing new about this problem in Matabeleland. This is caused by illegal movement of cattle.

“The Veterinary Services Department has and continues to do everything possible in terms of vaccination to contain the diseases,” said the Deputy Minister.

“The farmers and private abattoirs know the restrictions put in place by the Vet Department but they continue to flout them and when it affects them they cry foul.”

Many farmers and buyers are already squealing over loss of business following the suspension of sales early this week.

There are widespread fears the move could result in beef shortages and an increase in the price of related commodities.

The biggest cattle auction sale at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds has also been suspended and cattle movement in the region banned after FMD was detected in three beasts that were sold at Cattle Sales.

On average the ZITF auction by CC sales records between 450 to 500 beasts per week.

Yesterday a survey by The Chronicle indicated that butchery operators such as Mbokodo had low business due to the suspension of the sales.

An official from Mbokodo butchery and abattoir could only say “business is dead as you can see”, before referring further question to management who were not available for comment.

There are boiling concerns that the FMD outbreak could derail the Bulawayo Agricultural show, a major attraction at the ZITF exhibition, which runs from April 28 to May 2.

Zhanda said the government, through the Veterinary Service Department, was channelling a lot of resources to curb animal diseases but was not getting the required cooperation from farmers and buyers.

“We could have succeeded in stopping these diseases if we got maximum cooperation from all stakeholders. This problem is temporary if everyone acts responsibly and cooperates,” he said.

“We keep buying vaccines, deploying our personnel and setting up tracking systems but some people, for selfish reasons do something else.

“Farmers and buyers should respect laid down rules by the Vet Department.”