Kalomo Court Oversees Disposal of 74 Cattle to Prevent Disease Outbreak

In a decisive move to safeguard livestock health and prevent the spread of animal diseases, the Kalomo Magistrate Court, in conjunction with the Department of Veterinary Services and Kalomo Police, has disposed of 74 illegally transported cattle in violation of livestock movement restrictions.

The disposal took place at the Kalomo Abattoir on Wednesday and targeted animals that had been illegally moved from Kazungula District, a region currently under strict movement restrictions due to animal health concerns.

Enforcing the Law to Protect Livestock

The operation was conducted under the Animal Health Act No. 27 of 2010, which empowers authorities to take preventive and corrective measures against the spread of contagious livestock diseases. These include quarantine zones, animal movement permits, and the impounding—or in extreme cases, destruction—of livestock transported without authorization.

Kalomo District Veterinary Officer, Anabo Maambo, confirmed that the impounded cattle were moved in direct violation of current regulations, which remain in force for livestock originating from Kazungula District and the Western Province. These areas are known to be high-risk zones for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other transboundary animal illnesses.

“The disposal was not intended to punish the owners, but rather to protect the broader livestock community from a potential disease outbreak,” Maambo explained. “If even one infected animal slips through the system, the consequences could be devastating to the entire region’s livestock economy.”

Cattle Owners Identified

The owners of the disposed animals have been identified as:

• Edify Mulilo, of Kandazovu in Dundumwezi, who was in possession of 33 cattle, and

• Lawrence Sing’o, of Mbila Mukwelakasasa Village, who was found with 41 head of cattle.

Both individuals are reported to have violated the movement ban by transporting the animals from restricted zones without the necessary clearance or veterinary inspection.

The Bigger Picture: Disease Control and Compliance

Southern Province, like much of Zambia, relies heavily on livestock for both subsistence and commercial purposes. Outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, corridor disease, and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) can result in quarantines, export bans, and severe losses for farming communities.

Maambo urged farmers and livestock traders to strictly adhere to veterinary guidelines and national movement restrictions. He emphasized that compliance with the law is essential to protect not only individual herds but the entire industry.

“We understand the pressure farmers face, especially when they need to move animals for market purposes. But disease control is a shared responsibility. No one benefits if an outbreak leads to widespread culling, lockdowns, or export suspensions,” he added.

Community Education and Ongoing Monitoring

Veterinary authorities say they are continuing to educate farmers and livestock handlers about movement regulations and the importance of disease surveillance. Regular checkpoints, inspections, and sensitization campaigns are being carried out across Kalomo District and surrounding areas.

In addition, law enforcement and veterinary officers are increasing patrols in known high-risk movement corridors to detect and intercept any unauthorized livestock transport.

Conclusion: A Necessary Step in the Battle Against Animal Diseases

The disposal of the 74 cattle, while unfortunate, reflects the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal livestock movement amid ongoing animal health threats. Authorities are urging all livestock owners to obtain proper permits, follow vaccination protocols, and consult veterinary officers before relocating their animals.

As Maambo succinctly put it:

“Prevention is always better than loss. Let us protect what we have now to secure our farming future.”