ZAMBEEF has launched the Initial Free Dipping exercise of livestock in Namwala District, Southern Province.
The company has also donated 80 litters of dip to treat more than 30 thousand animals against different animal diseases.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the launch of the exercise in Namwala District today, ZAMBEEF Group Communications Manager Mwamba Siame said the launch is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility investment programme.
Ms Siame said this is to help farmers have healthy animals because animal wealth is animal health.
She stated that ZAMBEEF takes the prevention of animals from diseases seriously hence the exercise which aims at preventing them from different diseases such as Tick Born Disease among others.
“ We were here three weeks ago and we promised that we will ensure we come back and launch the dipping exercise that will help treat our animals against different disease and here we are,” she said.
Ms Siame urged livestock farmers to ensure that they dip their animals regularly if possible weekly and monthly.
“ It does not mean that you end here, please let’s ensure we continue with this exercise. If you do it yourself it’s about 3 Kwacha per animal, but if the animal gets sick you will spend over 300 Kwacha for one animal which is costly for a farmer”, she said.
She urged the farmers to work as a community by contributing some money and have the animals dipped.
Ms Siame said the health of the animals in the country is ZAMBEEF’s business as it will help feed the country.
And speaking at the same event District Administrative Officer Sokoloku Daka said the launch has come at the right time to assist farmers treat their animals in the wake of the effects of the drought.
Mr Daka noted that government has a mandate to protect livestock production in the country through extension services and vaccination of livestock.
He noted the district has over 165 thousand animals adding that the launch of dipping exercise will treat quarter of the animals against diseases.
“ This is a very good move. ZAMBEEF thank you so much for supporting government in protecting our farmers and their animals.
Mr Daka explained that this will help realise government’s plans of exporting beef not only within the country but also beyond.
“ President Hakainde Hichilema directed that as a country we should be exporting and supplying beef to other countries not only in Zambia. And this demonstrates that we can make it if partners like ZAMBEEF are joining hands with us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Namwala Farmers Association Chairperson Bright Chisamba thanked ZAMBEEF and government for the dipping exercise.
Mr Chisamba said this will help eradicate a number of animal diseases.
ZANIS
