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Midlands Correspondent
AN outbreak of Newcastle disease has hit Gokwe where large numbers of poultry have died.
Newcastle is a contagious bird disease affecting many domestic and wild avian species. It is also transmissible to humans.
The disease is affecting indigenous, broilers and layers, leaving fowl runs empty in most parts of Gokwe.
Indications are that the disease, which has been spreading throughout Gokwe in the past fortnight, might spread to other parts of the Midlands and even to humans.

In an interview soon after touring cattle farms in the Midlands yesterday, the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Josphat Nyika, said the Government had received a report of Newcastle disease outbreak in Gokwe.

“We have an outbreak of Newcastle disease in Gokwe which is affecting indigenous, broilers and layers. We have received the vaccine for the disease and we are looking forward to start vaccinating birds in the affected areas next week, most probably on Tuesday. Newcastle is a serious viral disease that needs to be controlled,” he said.

Dr Nyika said the Government had acquired adequate vaccines for anthrax in the wake of its outbreak. Lumpy skin disease has also broken out in most parts of the country.

“There have been outbreaks of diseases like anthrax and lumpy skin in Mashonaland, Manicaland and Masvingo. Anthrax is the Government’s responsibility therefore we have received vaccines in Harare and we are moving out to vaccinate all the animals in all affected areas. We have adequate vaccines in the country for anthrax. We have since vaccinated all animals in the affected areas and the situation is under control.

“As for lumpy skin, we have enough vaccines and drugs for the disease. However, we can only make the drugs available but the farmers will have to purchase the drugs on their own. These diseases are rampant during this time of the year. They have proliferated due to the incessant rains that the country received this season,” he said.