The ministry of agriculture has warned farmers in the Kareng extension area of increased risk of vector-borne diseases due to recent heavy rainfalls.
In a press release, they highlighted that the rains have led to heightened activity of biting insects and ticks, increasing the threat of diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), stable fly infestations, and dermatophilosis.
While stable fly cases have been recorded in areas stretching from Toteng to Sehithwa, the Kareng community has been spared from this particular pest. However, farmers in the area are battling cases of LSD.
LSD is a viral disease that affects cattle and is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Poxviridae family. It is primarily transmitted by biting insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. The disease manifests through fever, skin nodules, swollen lymph nodes, and reduced milk production, significantly impacting livestock health.
Recently, North West Principal Veterinary Officer, Dr. Rentin Mafonko, acknowledged the presence of LSD in Kareng and surrounding areas. While his team was assessing stable fly infestations, they also investigated the LSD outbreak, particularly focusing on last year’s impact.
Mafonko explained that during their assessment, they reviewed previous mortality rates but did not formally record numbers. He stated that last year’s drought exacerbated the spread of LSD in the area.
“We understand that a significant number of animals were lost due to LSD. Our team’s main focus has been on educating farmers about the best periods to vaccinate their cattle to prevent outbreaks,” Mafonko said.
He emphasised that while farmers are advised to vaccinate their cattle between September and October, the vaccine remains both expensive and difficult to obtain from suppliers in Ngamiland. Mafonko advised farmers to isolate infected animals and avoid vaccinating sick cattle alongside healthy ones, as this could further spread the disease.
In an interview, Kareng area councilor Keapoletswe Keapoletswe revealed that the community has been grappling with LSD since last year, leading to significant cattle losses. “From January 2025 to date, I have received reports of 26 cattle deaths in Kareng and 20 at Setsau settlement, bringing the total to 46 in just two months,” Keapoletswe said.
He noted that although farmers attempted to vaccinate their cattle to prevent the disease, they were unable to access the necessary vaccines across Ngamiland. He complained that the shortage of veterinary medicines has long been a challenge in the region.
The councillor pleaded for government intervention, emphasising that farmers have already suffered heavy losses due to the previous drought. He pointed out that Kareng was among the hardest-hit areas, forcing some farmers to relocate in search of better grazing land for their cattle.
