Story by Gay Mathambo
The government has facilitated the translocation of more than 80 buffaloes from Eaglemont Range in Chiredzi to Nuanetsi Conservancy in Mwenezi in a move meant to curb the spread of wild animal diseases.
The translocation of the 84 buffaloes has brought relief to communities battling human-wildlife conflict near the Eaglemont Range.
Besides destroying crops, the wild animals also pose a foot and mouth disease risk in the area.
A community member said, “We were struggling to contain human-wildlife conflicts in this area. We appreciate what the government has done for us.”
Another said, “We were losing our livestock to several diseases transmitted by these wild animals. We are happy with this move.”
“As communal farmers, we survive through livestock farming and last year I lost five cattle to FMD therefore, I’m happy that we will no longer have challenges with buffaloes in our area anymore,” said another community member.
Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Director Dr Kramer Manyetu reiterated the importance of the operation in communities around buffalo conservancies.
“Due to the absence of a biosecurity fence animals were encroaching into communities and causing human and wildlife conflicts. We hope that this move we have taken in agreement with the owner of Eaglemont range will help us in a big way to control FMD and other tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted from wildlife especially Buffaloes to livestock.”
The initiative is part of the government’s drive focusing on strengthening animal disease surveillance and control systems in line with the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan.
Veterinary Services’ chief director, Dr Pious Makaya said, “Besides a Buffalo being a dangerous animal it spreads foot and mouth disease so if we control the Buffaloes by translocating them, we are making sure that the community is safe and the risk of FMD is reduced. This approach will spread to other conservancies targeting those without biosecurity measures.”
Foot and Mouth is high on the Veterinary Services Department’s agenda as it seeks to safeguard the national herd.
