MDI Defends Kalomo Cattle Slaughter

Muvombo Warns Against CBPP Threat to Animal and Human Safety

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia – 18 August 2025

The Muvombo Development Initiative (MDI) has backed the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s controversial decision to slaughter 70 cattle in Kalomo District, warning that failure to enforce animal health laws could expose both animals and humans to catastrophic risks.

Addressing journalists in Lusaka, MDI Managing Director Winter Muvombo said the destruction of the cattle—though painful for farmers—was unavoidable under the Animal Health Act because the animals were illegally moved from a quarantined CBPP-infected zone in Moomba, Kazungula.

“We cannot allow emotions to cloud the bigger national interest. CBPP is a deadly disease, and once it spreads, it can wipe out entire herds and destabilize rural economies. Protecting the national herd also means protecting human survival, food security, and public health,” Muvombo stressed.

CBPP: A Silent but Deadly Threat

CBPP (Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia) is a highly infectious respiratory disease that can kill up to half of all infected cattle. Experts warn that the disease spreads silently through apparently healthy carriers, making strict quarantine and movement restrictions essential.

“Illegal movement of livestock from quarantined zones is a ticking time bomb. It does not just threaten farmers in Kalomo—it endangers the entire livestock sector and food security for millions of Zambians,” Muvombo cautioned.

The Need for Stronger but Fairer Laws

While standing with the Ministry in enforcing the law, MDI urged Parliament to reform the Animal Health Act of 2010, which currently mandates automatic slaughter of illegally moved cattle.

Muvombo said the law should evolve to reflect modern realities, including Zambia’s fast-growing cattle population—now over six million compared to just one million in 2010.

“We need provisions for quarantining and testing seized animals, while penalizing irresponsible owners. Automatic slaughter, without alternatives, appears cruel and inconsistent. This is why Parliament must urgently revisit the law,” he said.

He noted a contradiction in the legal framework: cattle stolen by rustlers are traced and returned to owners, yet cattle moved illegally—even if healthy—are destroyed. “This shows double standards that undermine public trust,” he argued.

Strengthening Veterinary Systems

Muvombo also drew attention to weak veterinary systems that undermine compliance. In some districts, one veterinary officer is responsible for 9,000–10,000 farmers, leaving many communities without proper guidance on disease control.

“Two wrongs do not make a right. Farmers must obey the law, but the Ministry must also strengthen its systems. Without adequate veterinary staffing and public sensitization, enforcement alone will not stop illegal cattle movements,” he warned.

MDI called for recruitment of more veterinary staff, expanded radio and mobile sensitization programs, and community outreach campaigns to ensure farmers understand the risks of diseases like CBPP.

Balancing Law Enforcement and Livelihoods

The 70 slaughtered cattle have been traced to farmers identified as Mr. Edify Mulilo and Mr. Lawrence Nsingo. Muvombo said while accountability must rest with livestock owners, the country’s legal framework should balance disease prevention with rural livelihoods and animal welfare.

“Livestock are not just economic assets—they are the cultural backbone and food security of rural households. Protecting them from CBPP is not only an animal health issue but a human survival matter,” he said.

MDI’s Role

MDI highlighted its commitment to livestock protection, recalling its 2024 distribution of veterinary chemicals in Southern Province to help farmers protect their herds.

Muvombo concluded with a call for “firm but compassionate enforcement” of animal health laws.

“Precedents must be set to deter lawbreakers, but compassion and modern realities must guide our policies. Protecting animal health is directly tied to protecting human health, food security, and the future of farming families across Zambia,” he said.

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