Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has issued an urgent notification to farmers regarding an outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), commonly known as lungsickness, in Okapundja village, located in the Opuwo Urban Constituency of the Kunene Region.
Dr Johannes Shoopala, the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, said in the statement on Tuesday that the disease was detected at the beginning of July and that it is currently affecting only one herd of 30 cattle
Shoopala stated that so far eight animals from the herd tested positive for lungsickness and that one cow succumbed to the contagious disease.
CBPP is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects cattle and water buffalo, causing significant economic losses due to its high mortality rate, which can reach up to 50%.
The disease impacts the lungs and thoracic cavity membranes of cattle, leading to symptoms such as fever, laboured or rapid breathing, coughing, and in some cases a nasal discharge.
Shoopala said that transmission of the disease occurs through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals.
“Given that some animals may carry the disease without exhibiting symptoms, controlling its spread poses a considerable challenge,” he said.
He also gave the assurance that humans are not susceptible to CBPP and that the disease poses no danger to the public.
In response to the outbreak, the directorate has implemented several control measures in accordance with the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011.
These measures, according to Shoopalainclude movement restrictions, the suspension of cattle gathering, continuous disease surveillance, veterinary roadblocks and mandatory vaccination of cattle.
Shoopala said that a complete movement restriction of live cattle within and out of the Opuwo Urban Constituency, except for cattle destined for direct slaughter within 48 hours under veterinary supervision has been enforced with immediate effect.
Additionally, the movement of cattle lung tissues from slaughtered cattle is prohibited.
“All cattle gathering activities in the Opuwo Urban Constituency are suspended until further notice,” he said.
He added that active CBPP disease surveillance activities have commenced to determine the extent of the outbreak. Farmers are requested to cooperate and present their livestock for inspection.
“Strategic roadblocks will be established to ensure compliance with the control measures. The public is urged to cooperate with these measures,” he said.
He urged farmers with cattle that have not been vaccinated this year to present their cattle for mandatory CBPP vaccination at the facilities of state veterinarians.
Shoopala stressed the importance of cooperation by all farmers and the general public in controlling this outbreak.
He added that the directorate’s swift action aims to safeguard the livestock industry and prevent further disease spread, ensuring the affected regions’ economic stability.
For further information, the public can contact the state veterinarians at the Opuwo state veterinary office at telephone 065 273012.
