Chiefs tasked to enforce cattle dipping as Government steps up fight against tick-borne diseases

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

GOVERNMENT has called on traditional leaders across the country to play a more active role in ensuring farmers adhere to cattle dipping programmes aimed at combating tick-borne diseases.

Consistent dipping remains critical in protecting the national herd from diseases that continue to threaten livestock productivity, particularly in communal areas.

Speaking in Bulawayo recently after touring Cooper Zimbabwe, a leading manufacturer of dipping chemicals, Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Davies Marapira urged farmers to faithfully contribute the US$2 annual dipping levy per herd, saying the collective effort would guarantee a steady supply of acaricide chemicals.

“We are saying to our farmers in the provinces, let us religiously pay the US$2 per herd per year dipping levy fee to make sure we constantly receive supplies of acaricide chemicals for dipping,” said Dep Minister Marapira.

Government estimates that if compliance improves, the levy could generate at least US$10 million annually — enough to significantly boost the availability of dipping chemicals countrywide.

However, it has been observed that some farmers are reluctant to either take their livestock for dipping or adhere to the dipping schedule, posing a danger not only to their own livestock but the entire village.

“I would want to encourage our provincial veterinary officers to engage traditional leaders so that they ensure their subjects take their cattle for dipping and adhere to the dipping regime,” Deputy Minister Marapira.

Tick-borne diseases such as January disease have in recent years caused significant cattle losses, undermining efforts to rebuild the national herd.

Authorities say improved cooperation between farmers, veterinary officers and traditional leadership structures will be key in safeguarding livestock and sustaining growth in the sector.