Tinaye Agere
AS rains fall across Zimbabwe, farmers are hard at work preparing for a successful summer cropping season.
However, the rainy season also brings heightened risks to livestock health, particularly the threat of tick-borne diseases.
Among these, theileriosis — commonly known as January disease — stands out as a major concern.
This disease, transmitted by infected ticks, has devastating effects on cattle and economic security.
Farmers must act decisively to protect their herds and their wealth.
Understanding January disease
January disease, named for its seasonal peak, is caused by Theileria parva, a parasite transmitted through tick bites. Symptoms include fever, anaemia, enlarged lymph nodes, laboured breathing, weakness and reduced milk production.
Since 2016, over half a million cattle have succumbed to this disease, resulting in losses exceeding US$250 million in potential revenue. Alarmingly, tick-borne diseases account for over 65 percent of cattle deaths in Zimbabwe.
Cattle represent more than just livestock — they are a cornerstone of livelihoods, a source of wealth and a critical component of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
Preventing January disease is, therefore, essential to safeguarding both individual prosperity and national economic stability.
Tick control: The key to prevention
The primary defence against January disease lies in controlling the tick population. The Government, through the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, has introduced various measures to assist farmers in this fight, including the Presidential Tick Grease Scheme and the refurbishment of dip-tanks nationwide. However, individual farmers must also take proactive steps to ensure their herds remain safe.
Best practices for tick control
- Regular dipping
Cattle must be dipped every two weeks under normal circumstances.
In high-risk areas, farmers should adopt the 5:5:4 dipping regime — dipping cattle every five days for two cycles, followed by a four-day interval.
This ensures comprehensive tick control during the peak season.
- Use of tick grease
Apply tick grease to areas prone to tick infestation, such as the ears and under the tail.
This method provides effective spot treatment between dips and offers extended protection.
- Hand spraying
For farmers with smaller herds, hand spraying is a cost-effective alternative. Using a knapsack sprayer, ensure thorough wetting of the cattle against the direction of hair growth for optimal coverage.
- Plunge dipping
Plunge dips, which involve total immersion of cattle in a solution containing acaricide, remain the most common method for tick control. Proper maintenance of dip-tanks and adherence to manufacturer instructions for mixing and recharging solutions are critical to effectiveness.
- Spray races and pour-ons
Spray races are ideal for large herds and commercial farms, offering efficient coverage while conserving water and acaricide. Pour-ons, though more expensive, provide targeted protection and are effective against both ticks and flies.
- Early detection and treatment
Regularly inspect cattle for ticks and symptoms of theileriosis. Prompt treatment of affected animals can save lives and prevent further spread.
The cost of inaction
The loss of cattle to January disease represents more than immediate financial damage. It disrupts the economic well-being of families and communities, reduces productivity and weakens food security.
Investing in regular tick control measures is far less costly than the economic and emotional toll of losing livestock.
Government support and collaboration
The Government has made significant strides in supporting livestock farmers, including:
Subsidised tick grease distribution.
Refurbishment of dip-tanks to improve access to dipping facilities.
Extension services to educate farmers on best practices.
These measures are part of the broader Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, which aligns with the National Development Strategy 1, aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-class economy by 2030.
Livestock registration and compliance
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) reminds all individuals and institutions trading in livestock and livestock products to register or renew their licences for the 2025 agricultural season.
Registration ensures compliance with national regulations and access to Government support programmes.
Farmers can complete their registrations online via the AMA website.
As custodians of Zimbabwe’s agricultural legacy, farmers are urged to take proactive measures to protect their cattle this rainy season.
Regular dipping, the use of tick grease and timely inspections are essential steps to safeguard herds from January disease.
Collaboration between farmers, Government bodies and stakeholders is key to securing the future of Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.
By investing in preventive measures, farmers can not only protect their wealth but also contribute to the nation’s economic stability.
Let us work together to build a resilient and thriving agricultural industry.
Tina Nleya is AMA’s marketing and public relations manager. She can be contacted on email: [email protected]. Word from the Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production.
Online Reporter