Ntchisi lifts ban on livestock slaughter
BY GLADSON M’BUMPHA, A CONTRIBUTOR:
The Ntchisi District Agriculture Development office, in conjunction with Ntchisi Police Station, has lifted a ban imposed on the slaughter of livestock following the outbreak of east coast fever and African swine fever on June 20 this year.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Ntchisi District Agriculture Development Officer, Hythe Jere, said people were being prevented from slaughtering cattle, pigs and goats pending investigations.
She said the decision to impose the ban was arrived at following reports of the death of livestock.
“Cases of deaths of livestock were reported in areas such as Malomo, Kanjiwa and Chikwatula extension planning areas under Ntchisi District Agriculture Development office.
“Blood s amp l e s were collected and sent to Central Veterinary Laboratory. After analysing blood samples, it has been concluded that the cause of death in cattle was east coast fever, which is spread by ticks, while, in pigs, African swine fever was the cause of death. African swine fever is endemic in areas under Kasungu Agriculture Development Division,” Jere said.
She said, following the results, the ban was lifted on July 3.
In the meantime, dip tank committees have been revamped to facilitate livestock dipping.
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