- Affected areas are Toteng, Sehithwa, Bodibeng, Kareng, and Tsau
- The disease is mostly attacking horses and donkeys
- Farmers call for immediate interventions as they fear the situation may escalate
- Department of Veterinary Services recommend for extension of government subsidy
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has confirmed cases of stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), locally known as Lethobo in villages surrounding the Lake Ngami.
This follows alerts from farmers in the areas about the suspected presence of stable flies which prompted the department to investigate.
Presenting their findings in council this week, North West’s Principal Veterinary Officer, Dr. Rentin Mafonko revealed that 19 out of 58 crushes constituting a 32% incidence rate were affected, with equines (horses and donkeys) being the most attacked.
He confirmed that key affected villages include Toteng, Sehithwa, Bodibeng, Kareng, and Tsau. The Lake Ngami area was identified as the breeding epicenter due to moisture from recent heavy rains.
“Specific findings from the assessment include Toteng where 3 out of 10 sub-crushes along the Bothatogo road are affected. Sehithwa ,9 out of 28 assessed crushes affected, with moderate severity. Bodibeng 5 out of 11 main crushes affected. Kareng no infestations detected along the Kareng-Makakung route and Tsau 2 out of 11 assessed crushes affected.”
Dr. Mafonko has since advised farmers to apply oil-based dips on their livestock, particularly on the supra scapula region and above the carpal and tarsal joints. Additionally, he urged farmers to clear potential breeding grounds, such as decaying vegetation around the lake and kraals near water sources.
As government subsidy for treatment is due to lapse this Friday, Dr Mafonko indicated that they have recommended for its urgent extension fearing that without continued support, the situation could escalate beyond control.
Meanwhile, the cases have sparked concerns among pastoral farmers in the affected villages as they are also worried that they are likely to increase rapidly more especially that heavy rains continue to pour. They reported a rising number of these blood-feeding flies attacking their livestock, causing restlessness and distress, particularly among cattle.
Lesego Thoromo, a farmer from Sehithwa, reported first noticing the flies in his kraal in mid-January. “The numbers have increased rapidly, and my cattle are restless, constantly moving to avoid bites. The flies are spreading from the lake as the cattle roam,” he explained.
Another concerned farmer from Toteng, who requested anonymity, echoed the urgency of addressing the situation. “The government needs to act now. We need immediate intervention and an extension of subsidies for animal medicine and antibiotics. If left unaddressed, this could severely impact Ngamiland’s beef industry and lead to a sharp decline in cattle populations,” he warned.
The last major stable fly outbreak in Ngamiland around 2005–2006 devastated the livestock sector, resulting in significant losses. Now, farmers fear history may repeat itself.
The infestation in Ngamiland is a growing crisis with far-reaching economic and environmental implications. As farmers brace for the worst, government intervention in the coming days will determine whether this suspected outbreak can be contained or if Ngamiland is on the brink of another livestock catastrophe.
Stable flies, known vectors of blood-borne zoonotic diseases, pose a significant threat to animal health and economic stability. These pests complete their life cycle in just 21 days, with adult females capable of laying between 200 and 400 eggs per cycle. Given their rapid reproductive rate and preference for moist organic matter for breeding, Lake Ngami’s recent heavy rainfall has created an ideal environment for their proliferation.
