Performance Audit Report on the Control of F MD  The DVS did not avail any document which could explain the criteria the  department used in allocating resources. Furthermore, another attributable  factor to inadequate maintenance of fences (according to management) was the  continuous destruction of fences by elephants. During fence tours, substantial  damages to the fence caused by elephants were indeed observed. However, the  DVS had at the time of audit not devised an effective strategy to minimise  damages to fences caused by elephants.  As a result of inadequate maintenance of fences by the DVS, there was a risk of  uncontrolled movement of both cattle and buffaloes across disease control zones,  as evidenced by reported buffalo incursions into zone 2 and cattle incursions  into the stock free zone (zone 16), 37 thus increasing the risk of FMD virus  transmission from buffaloes (which are virus hosts) to cattle. It should be noted  that sporadic outbreaks are not only expensive to manage, but they also have  far reaching effects of eroding both farmers and beef trading partners’ confidence  in the Government’s ability to effectively control the FMD. Notwithstanding the above observations, the OAG appreciates the efforts the  DVS had made (at the time of audit) in devising the new Transport Strategy,  Picketing Strategy and Fence Maintenance Prioritisation through which the DVS  had expected to enhance its capability to address challenges in maintenance of  fences. The OAG also acknowledges the fact that at the time of audit, the DVS  was at advanced stage (Ministerial Tender Committee had approved a tender to  supply and delivery of 1 MT of Bhut Jolokia Chilli, delivery expected in May 2015)  of adopting the use of chilli powder for control of elephants movement away from  disease control fences. 38 $^{37}$ Shakawe District Monthly reports from 2010-2014  $^{38}$ Savingram Ref: DVS 3/5/1 XIX (34)- 18 March 2015: Supplementary Information on the use of Chilli Powder for  Control of Elephants Movements Away from Disease Control Fences  45 |  P a g e