No Anthrax Detected in Livestock This Year

By Adjoa Avemee

Government has assured consumers that there is no need to stop eating meat sold in butcheries, as no cases of anthrax have been detected in livestock so far this year.

Speaking to journalists in Livingstone, Fisheries and Livestock Veterinary Services Director CHARLES MASEKA said the anthrax cases being recorded were among wildlife, particularly in the Luangwa and Zambezi ecosystems.

Dr. MASEKA said the department is vaccinating livestock in areas considered at risk, while stepping up public awareness campaigns to discourage communities from consuming meat from wildlife carcasses.

He said 600,000 doses of anthrax vaccine are currently available in the country, with 20,000 doses sent to Muchinga Province to support livestock vaccination and the safe disposal of wildlife carcasses.