Performance Audit Report on the Control of F MD RECOMMENDATION  4.3 STRENGTHENING OF EXTENSION SERVICES  The DVS should;  According to the FMD Contingency Plan Revision 2007 39 , the most important  resource in the prevention of FMD is an informed animal owner, herder or  manager. In order for the DVS to realise the objective of early warning  contingency for FMD, the plan recommends among others;  Provide adequate budget provisions to ensure that cordon fences are  continuously maintained so as to ensure effective control of movement of  both cattle and wild animals to prohibited areas thus minimising the risk  of an FMD outbreak.   Formulate a clear guideline on resource allocation which the Department  could use to guide and monitor its resource allocation.  Streamline its resource allocation processes such that the limited  resources are appropriately allocated taking into consideration, the risk of  FMD outbreak, the size and potential demands of the areas to be serviced  and demands of the farming communities.  Continue exploring (in collaboration with other relevant Ministries and  farmers) options of devising an effective long term strategy that will help  minimise damage to fences caused by elephants.   Regular contact between the extension officer and farmer in order to build  high level of confidence and trust that will ensure rapid reporting of  disease occurrence at an early stage;  Well-planned extension programmes and consultative meetings with  stakeholders; $^{39}$ Ministry of Agriculture: FMD Contingency Plan 2007 produced by Department of Animal Health and Production  46 |  P a g e