Vet Department Launches Operation Targeting Unspecified Meat
The Department of Veterinary Services has launched an operation codenamed “Operation Nyamayabvepi,” in Manicaland Province in a bid to stop the sale of uninspected meat by butcheries.
This follows the outbreak of January disease, a tick-borne disease that has claimed thousands of cattle forcing some farmers to sell sick cattle to butcheries.
The department’s Chief Director Dr Josphat Nyika said they have partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to set up roadblocks in the province. Nyika said:
The Veterinary Services Department has been alerted and they are now in the area making sure that people are not selling uninspected meat.
The operation is already underway in Manicaland, which is led by Provincial Veterinary Director for Manicaland Dr Guri, and they have partnered with the police and erected roadblocks.
He added that the department has secured enough dip chemicals for the province to last until July this year. Said Nyika:
In solving the January Disease problem, we now have enough dip chemicals in Manicaland to last July/August, this year
We are also bringing all farmers for awareness, and education, about the January Disease.
We are encouraging them not to sell sick animals but rather treat them, we are also monitoring all abattoirs suspected to be selling uninspected meat.
