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Quarantine of bucellosis-affected areas in the Central Division will continue for another three months from January 1, 2010, says the Primary Industries minister Joketani Cokanasiga.
He made the declaration as the Agriculture Department moves to complete the testing of infected animals and farms to eradicate the disease, following its re-emergence last year.
“Currently, the department is carrying out its fourth round of tests in the five affected farms remaining in the Wainivesi area in Tailevu and the Muaniweni area in Naitasiri.
“This will mean maintaining the checkpoint at Korovou, establishment of a checkpoint at Muaniweni, Naitasiri and strict monitoring of the movement of the animals in Viti Levu,” he added.
The extension, which will expire March 31, will allow the department to effectively carry out its eradication campaign.
“Movement of all kinds of animals into and out from the declared Biosecurity Emergency Area will be restricted and closely monitored."
"This extension can be revised subject to any change in the incidence levels and the prevalence of the disease,” Cokanasiga said.
The declaration to extend the emergency period is pursuant to Part 10, Section 77 (SS 1- 7) of the Biosecurity Promulgation of 2008.
The declaration effectively puts the whole of the Central Division under quarantine for the three months.
