70 Cattle Slaughtered in Kalomo After Illegal Movement From CBPP Zone
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has confirmed the slaughter of 70 cattle in Kalomo District, Southern Province, after they were found to have been illegally moved from a Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) quarantine zone in Kazungula.
According to the Ministry, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) acted in line with the Animal Health Act No. 27 of 2010, which strictly prohibits the movement of livestock from CBPP-infected areas without a permit. CBPP is a highly contagious cattle disease that attacks the lungs, causes severe respiratory illness and can lead to death rates of up to 50 percent.
The cattle were intercepted on 29th and 30th July following reports from a community-based CBPP Task Force in Nkandanzovu Veterinary Camp. Veterinary officers impounded 33 cattle in Nakalombwe and another 41 in Shankatwa, though four died in transit. Ownership was later traced to Mr. Edify Mulilo and Mr. Lawrence Nsingo, who admitted to moving the animals from Kazungula, where CBPP cases had been confirmed.
The Kalomo Subordinate Court granted an order for the disposal of the animals. Attempts by the owners to halt the process through an injunction were dismissed by the court, giving DVS legal authority to carry out the slaughter.
The Ministry has acknowledged public concern over the decision but stressed that the measure was necessary to protect livestock health and food security. “Illegal movement of cattle from CBPP-prone areas poses a grave threat to the nation’s livestock sector. Even animals appearing healthy may carry the disease and spread it further,” said Permanent Secretary Dr Max M. Choombe.
Farmers and transporters have been urged to comply with the law, which only permits livestock movement from affected areas to abattoirs, subject to inspection, testing and permits.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding animal health and farmer livelihoods through strict enforcement of veterinary regulations.
