Harare — THE Department of Veterinary Services has embarked on a massive anthrax booster vaccination exercise in Murehwa and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe districts.

The 12-day project commenced on August 29 and is scheduled to end on September 9.

Last year, the Nhakiwa area in Uzumba and the Nheweyembwa area of Murehwa District had an anthrax outbreak, which claimed more than 5 cattle and one person.

The District Veterinary Officer, Dr Erick Chikaka, confirmed in an interview yesterday that the vaccination would take place at 11 dip tanks in Murehwa and 4 dip tanks in Uzumba.

"Although there has not been any new cases, the booster vaccination is essential to protect cattle ahead of the coming rainy season which may expose the anthrax spores in the ground to cattle," he said.

Dr Chikaka said all the villagers in the Nheweyembwa and Nhakiwa areas were required by law to bring their cattle for the booster vaccination exercise.