Mafeteng, March 09 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Department of Livestock is currently engaged in vaccination of small stock against sheep scab in the district.
The campaign which is being carried out within seven District Resource Centers namely Ramokoatsi, Matelile, Thabana-Morena, Kolo, Tsakholo, Mosala and Ribaneng started early this month is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
In an interview the District Animal Production Officer, Mr. Mats’oha Moletsane said the initiative is aimed at fighting the diseases among small stock and controlling reinfection while at the same time improving wool industry.
He highlighted that the disease is caused by mites living in sheep’s fleeces or hair and it is controlled through vaccination or dipping, clarifying that its signs among others include scratching, severe itching, biting at flanks, restlessness, loss of wool, weight loss, low birth weight.
District Animal Production Officer called on small stock producers to take their animals to the established vaccination points within their respective resource centers to ensure control of the disease while at the same time ensuring improvement of the wool and mohair production.
He indicated that it is important for small stock producers to improve their stock so that they too produce quality wool and mohair to be sold internationally without doubt, saying a well cared and fed stock normally produces quality products which are acceptable in both local and international markets.
