FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE ALERT!

A buffalo on the loose was observed at a farm near Kombat town in Otjozondjupa district (north eastern ) of Namibia.  The buffalo was spotted by a farmer after seeing it mingling at a water point with his cattle.   ALL the auctions in the surrounding regions were officially closed.  The roadblocks and checkpoints are set up at strategic sites to ensure no livestock or animal products are transported from the affected areas. The products that are already slaughtered in abattoirs from the affected areas are retained and a full trace back should be undertaken. This carcasses are kept under quarantine for 30 days and test will be conducted for the presence of foot-and-mouth disease.

Yoh!  Namibia has has serious control measures set up!  

What is foot-and-mouth disease?  What are the symptoms?

Foot-and-mouth disease or hoof-and-mouth disease (Aphthae epizooticae) is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, both wild and domestic.  The virus causes a high fever for two or three days, followed by blisters inside the mouth and on the feet that may rupture and cause lameness. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, antelopes and water buffaloes are amongst the animals that can get infected.

Have a look at the video below for more insight on the disease.

XoXo