By Esnart Chingwalu

The Ministry of Agriculture has appealed to livestock farmers to monitor their livestock amid the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

A total of 88 livestock from 77 kraals have been affected by foot and mouth outbreak at Mlonyeni Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Mchinji district and Kasungu Agricultural Development Division (ADD) where about 17,000 livestock are at a risk.

Director of Animal Health and Livestock Development Dr Patrick Chikungwa, said the preliminary investigation conducted by veterinary officials has found out that some livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs have been affected in the areas.

“We have currently set aside measures in the affected areas to contain further spread of the disease such as temporary suspension of all livestock markets slaughters , restricted of livestock and  livestock products movements and also sensitization of the communities on the disease,” Chikungwa said.