Lung sickness outbreak hits Ondope constituency
An outbreak of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), also known as lung sickness, has been detected at the Oshandi crush pen in the Onhangwena Region's Ondope constituency.
The outbreak was reported after farmers observed signs such as coughing - consistent with the disease – among their cattle.
Lung sickness was confirmed on 31 May by the Windhoek central veterinary laboratory after clinical signs were established in six out of a herd of 71 cattle.
The ministry said the disease is mainly present among cattle and water buffalo and is caused by a type of bacteria that attacks the lungs of susceptible animals.
In Africa, CBPP, which can have a mortality rate of more than 50%, is known to cause more losses among cattle than any other disease. Although death can occur suddenly, the ministry explained that the illness can progress into a chronic form, which causes cattle to die gradually over time. Humans are not at risk of the disease.
In line with the Animal Health Act, the ministry has put in place several control measures.
Stop the spread
First, a complete ban on live cattle movement within, in and out of the constituency has been implemented with immediate effect.
Several roadblocks will be put in place at strategic spots, while surveillance teams have been deployed to establish the extent of the outbreak.
At-risk animals are being vaccinated.
The movement of cattle for direct slaughter within the constituency is still allowed - if a permit has been obtained and if they are slaughtered within 72 hours under veterinary supervision.
“The cattle should not come in close contact with cattle not meant for slaughter at the place of destination,” the ministry warned.
The movement of cattle for direct slaughter outside of the constituency is also allowed, provided the animals are slaughtered at abattoirs under official veterinary control.
The movement of beef and other cattle products, except for lungs, are still allowed within and out of the constituency.
Signs of lung sickness include coughing and nasal disgorges, painful, rapid and increased breathing, poor body condition, lying down frequently and, in severe cases, death after one to three weeks.
Post-mortem signs can include a significant number of yellow fluids in the chest cavity and the lungs attaching to the ribs.
The outbreak was reported after farmers observed signs such as coughing - consistent with the disease – among their cattle.
Lung sickness was confirmed on 31 May by the Windhoek central veterinary laboratory after clinical signs were established in six out of a herd of 71 cattle.
The ministry said the disease is mainly present among cattle and water buffalo and is caused by a type of bacteria that attacks the lungs of susceptible animals.
In Africa, CBPP, which can have a mortality rate of more than 50%, is known to cause more losses among cattle than any other disease. Although death can occur suddenly, the ministry explained that the illness can progress into a chronic form, which causes cattle to die gradually over time. Humans are not at risk of the disease.
In line with the Animal Health Act, the ministry has put in place several control measures.
Stop the spread
First, a complete ban on live cattle movement within, in and out of the constituency has been implemented with immediate effect.
Several roadblocks will be put in place at strategic spots, while surveillance teams have been deployed to establish the extent of the outbreak.
At-risk animals are being vaccinated.
The movement of cattle for direct slaughter within the constituency is still allowed - if a permit has been obtained and if they are slaughtered within 72 hours under veterinary supervision.
“The cattle should not come in close contact with cattle not meant for slaughter at the place of destination,” the ministry warned.
The movement of cattle for direct slaughter outside of the constituency is also allowed, provided the animals are slaughtered at abattoirs under official veterinary control.
The movement of beef and other cattle products, except for lungs, are still allowed within and out of the constituency.
Signs of lung sickness include coughing and nasal disgorges, painful, rapid and increased breathing, poor body condition, lying down frequently and, in severe cases, death after one to three weeks.
Post-mortem signs can include a significant number of yellow fluids in the chest cavity and the lungs attaching to the ribs.
Comments
Julius Kalimbo
I love the newspaper