The Department of Veterinary Services and Control of contagious Cattle Diseases in Zambia,1907-1990

Abstract

The study examines the role of the Department of Veterinary Services in controlling and preventing contagious cattle diseases in Zambia from 1907 to 1990. The cattle disease environment prevailing at the onset of colonial rule forced the colonial authorities to create the Department of Veterinary Services in 1907 to take care of the health of domestic animals. The focus in this study is the control and prevention of Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Anthrax, Quarter Evil, Theileriosis and Bovine Trypanosomiasis (Nagana).The study began by investigating the outbreak, incidence and geographical distribution of the above mentioned diseases. It found that the nature and epidemiology of the diseases varied from one region to another. It showed that some diseases were endemic in some regions while others were sporadic in nature, occurrence and non-existent in other regions. The most affected areas were the border regions of Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern Provinces due to transborder transmission of diseases. The study also revealed that all contagious cattle diseases save for Bovine Trypanosomiasis were introduced in the country during the colonial rule.The study established that the Department played an important role in controlling and preventing outbreaks of contagious cattle diseases. It argued however, that achieving effective disease control and prevention at all times was difficult as the Department encountered a myriad of challenges. These included among others inadequate number of trained veterinary personnel,inadequate and erratic funding, lack of cooperation by farmers, few diagnostic laboratories and frequent unavailability and high cost of drugs. Such challenges hindered effective control of cattle diseases.