The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Naune crush, Sehithwa extension in Ngamiland district last week has crippled the beef industry in the North West region. The outbreak comes after the district has been recovering from another outbreak which happened the same area in 2017.
The FMD outbreak has negatively affected farmers, butcheries and abbaitors/ slaughter slabs in Ngamiland region, leading to shortage of beef. FMD has been recurring in Ngamiland for many years, however, during such outbreaks there is always a blame game between farmers and government officials, especifically the Department of Veterinary Services. The DVS blames outbreaks on farmers, accusing them of failing to vaccinate their cattle. However, farmers on the other hand blame DVS for failing to maintain cordon fences which separate cattle pastures from wild animals, especifically buffaloes which are known carriers of the disease.
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