The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has deployed 180, 000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine to Western Province following an outbreak in Sesheke, with Permanent Secretary Dr. Max Choombe describing the situation as an “incursion” requiring urgent intervention.
In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) during a vaccination exercise in Sesheke, Dr. Choombe explained that the ministry initially dispatched 35,000 doses upon confirmation of the outbreak, followed by an additional 135,000 doses.
Further vaccine orders are underway to contain the situation. “We have an outbreak of FMD that is an incursion. It hasn’t been here before, and that’s why we treated it as an emergency,” Dr. Choombe stated. Vaccination campaigns are focused on Sesheke, Mulobezi, Sioma, and Mwandi to establish a buffer and prevent the spread to other provinces.
Dr. Choombe also noted that Western Province, historically prone to Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Anthrax, has recorded no new cases of these diseases this year, thanks to last year’s mass vaccination efforts. Over 600,000 doses of CBPP vaccine are prepared for deployment beginning in June. He commended the Treasury for supporting timely procurement and distribution of vaccines.
Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinary Officer Stephen Tembo confirmed that 14 cattle were impounded on May 3, 2026, for illegal movement. “Ideally, these animals were supposed to go to Mongu for slaughter, but the transporter opted to go in the opposite direction,” he explained.
Tembo emphasized that a Statutory Instrument prohibits the movement of live cattle out of Western Province due to endemic CBPP, warning that such actions risk spreading disease to other parts of the country. Animals and vehicles involved in illegal movements are subject to seizure and forfeiture under the Animal Health Act, with offenders facing fines or imprisonment as determined by the courts. Farmer response to the vaccination programme is at 80 to 85 percent, with authorities targeting 90 to 95 percent coverage.
Tembo acknowledged some non-compliance due to myths and misconceptions but stressed ongoing efforts to address these challenges. FMD and CBPP vaccinations are set to continue, to be followed by surveillance before beef trade can safely resume.
Tembo urged farmers, abattoir operators, and traders to coordinate with veterinary offices before moving animals. “As the department invests in disease control through vaccination and other interventions, it is crucial for the farming community and stakeholders to comply with regulations so that, together, we can control animal diseases and boost productivity in the province,” Tembo concluded.
Article by Francine Chibuye
