Mkushi exceeds target in bird vaccination

Mkushi exceeds target in bird vaccination

Mkushi, Aug 7/14——More than 30,000 poultry in Mkushi district have been vaccinated against new castle disease over the past two months.

Mkushi District Veterinary Officer, Mitson Simuyala, told ZANIS that 33,423 poultry birds have been vaccinated against the disease, adding that the peak period for New Castle disease occurs in the second quarter of the year.

Mr Simuyala said the target population for vaccine which included chicken, pigeons, genuine fowl and ducks was 32,000 but his office was happy to have exceeded the target.

He mentioned that few areas such as Nkumbi and Kasokota are yet to be covered in the vaccination exercise, adding that his department has had challenges in transport logistics.

He was, however, hopeful that the vaccination exercise would be completed by the end of this month.

Mr Simuyala also revealed that the district had recorded some cases of Anaplasmoisis and East Coast Fever (ECF) cattle diseases during the same period under review.

In reference to Anaplasmosis, he said his department recorded 32 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

He further said that ECF claimed ten cattle and a total of 30 cases were recorded.

He emphasised the need for livestock farmers to ensure that they utilise the technical expertise that the veterinary department extension services are providing for disease identification and control.