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Mangaliso Lawrence Kabulika
WITH the 2023/24 summer season fast approaching, the Department of Veterinary Services(DVS) has urged farmers to be vigilant against cattle diseases such as gall sickness, red water and heart water to safeguard their herds, as the rainy season brings with it an array of livestock health challenges.
In an interview, chief director DVS, Dr Josphat Nyika urged farmers to watch out for tick-borne diseases.
“As the country enters the summer season, it is imperative for farmers to watch out for tick-borne diseases, which include Theileriosis (January disease), Anaplasmosis (gall sickness), Babesiosis (red water) and heart water. Farmers should also be wary of internal worm parasites and lumpy skin disease, blackleg and anthrax,” said Dr Nyika.
Dr Nyika also encouraged farmers to watch out for gall sickness (anaplasmosis) symptoms that include yellowing mucus membranes inside the eyes, mouth and nose.
The other disease to guard against is Theileriosis (January disease).
“For this one, farmers should look out for lack of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, bloody diarrhoea, hyper salivation and lacrimation.”
Furthermore, farmers need to be aware of the signs of red water (Babesiosis) that appear in the form of a reddish discharge or brown urine.
On the other hand, frothing at the mouth may be a sign that an animal is suffering from heart water. It will also show signs of loss of coordination while walking.
There are also internal parasites to be on the guard against, Dr Nyika added.
“Internal parasites cause weight loss in a short space of time with the animal producing dung containing worms or can have bloody diarrhoea.”
He went further to explain that animals with lumpy skin will have nodular swellings on the skin all over the body, especially around the neck region with some lameness, edema of the legs and fever with eye discharges.
“Animals affected by blackleg will mostly present lameness while anthrax usually causes sudden death with unclotted, tarry blood oozing from all natural openings. The carcasses will decompose rapidly.”
In light of the above, farmers are encouraged to dip their cattle according to their areas’ dipping schedules.
“For the tick-borne diseases, farmers must dip their cattle according to their areas’ dipping rotas and make sure they use chemicals for communal dip tanks according to the instructions from the acaricide manufacturer. It is very important to ensure that ticks fall off after every dipping session,” noted Dr Nyika.
He further urged farmers to correctly apply tick grease under the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme.
“Farmers must apply the tick grease they were given under the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme properly to complement the plunge dip.”
Farmers should also quarantine new animals and get permits prior to moving their animals to ensure the animals are properly inspected and tick free before they move to new areas.
“New animals must be quarantined for at least two weeks before mixing them with the rest of the herd. Farmers must also buy animals from areas that are free of diseases.”
In addition, vaccines for tick-borne diseases are now available at the central veterinary laboratory.
“Vaccines for tick-borne diseases are now available at the central veterinary laboratory and farmers can request these and vaccinate their animals. Vaccines for lumpy skin, blackleg and anthrax are commercially available and farmers can buy and vaccinate their animals. Farmers should ensure that they buy their vaccines from reputable companies and buy genuine products that are effective. It is imperative that these vaccinations are carried out before the rains start. A broad spectrum deworm should be used to kill internal parasites,” added Dr Nyika.
He further said: “Farmers are also encouraged to have antibiotics on hand since diseases like anaplasmosis, anthrax and blackleg are treatable and respond to treatment when caught early.”
Farmers must keep in touch with their local veterinary officers on the latest information regarding livestock situation in their areas.
“It is important for farmers to keep in touch with their local veterinary officers, to attend dipping sessions and all farmers meetings to be up to date with information on the livestock situation in their areas.”
Farmers who encounter challenges with the livestock need to notify their nearest veterinary officers for clinical diagnosis and advice immediately so that corrective action is taken, said Dr Nyika.
Online Reporter