Chisamba District Steps Up Disease Prevention for Beef Export.

Chisamba District, Zambia — In a major push to boost Zambia’s beef export potential, Chisamba District has intensified its disease prevention measures among livestock farmers, aiming to meet strict international standards for beef trade.

With beef exports offering a promising revenue stream for the country, local authorities, veterinary officers, and livestock cooperatives in Chisamba are working together to safeguard cattle health and traceability — two critical components for accessing high-value export markets.

According to the District Veterinary Office, regular cattle vaccinations are now being rolled out to control major threats like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). Mobile veterinary teams have increased their visits to rural and peri-urban areas, offering on-site inspections and farmer education. Strict quarantine rules are being enforced in any areas where outbreaks are suspected, and community awareness meetings have been intensified to teach farmers the importance of biosecurity and early disease detection.

“Our goal is to maintain a clean health status for our herds so our farmers can benefit from the growing demand for Zambian beef abroad,” said senior livestock officer Liberty Nalishiwa during a recent sensitization event held in the district.

Zambia’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has identified beef exports as a key growth sector in the country’s agricultural diversification efforts. Regional and international markets — including those in Southern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia — require strict animal health protocols, including disease-free certification, animal traceability, and hygienic meat processing standards. Chisamba, known for its strong cattle farming base, is well positioned to lead in meeting these standards and driving Zambia’s export momentum forward.

Livestock cooperatives in the district have welcomed the initiative, noting that better disease control can translate into higher prices, more stable demand, and long-term export opportunities. “If we keep our cattle healthy and follow the guidelines, we can finally reach premium markets and uplift our incomes,” said a representative from a local beef farmers’ group.

To support the effort, several NGOs and private sector players are providing technical assistance, access to veterinary drugs, and livestock tracking systems that help ensure traceability from farm to market.

With proactive disease prevention strategies now in place, Chisamba District is positioning itself as a model for beef export readiness. If these efforts are sustained and scaled, the district — and Zambia at large — could become a trusted source of high-quality, disease-free beef for regional and global markets.