Disease control hampers livestock production

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Mr Donald Khumalo said animal diseases were more prevalent in small-scale and communal farming areas because some large scale producers can afford to consult veterinarians.
“We know the real issues affecting farmers. Anthrax, foot ‘n’ mouth and lumpy skin have remained the major challenges to livestock production,” he said.
Mr Khumalo said the problem of animal diseases was supposed to be solved by Government but the situation was getting worse as Government did not have adequate funds.
“Government veterinarians have mobility problems and cannot visit farmers to assess livestock while,                      on the other hand, the farmers themselves have the same problem,” he          said.
Mr Khumalo said some roads in farming areas were so bad that Government veterinary officers could not access the areas. 
He said the problem could ease if all stakeholders worked together.
“Non-governmental organisations can help but the problem is that most of them do not work with farmers’ unions or Government departments for them to be able to know the requirements of the communities.
Recently, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made said the livestock industry was performing below capacity.
“A 5,2 million herd supports the beef industry comprising over 80 registered abattoirs with a total slaughter of 1,5 million head per year.
He said average slaughters per year were limited to about 400 000 head, giving capacity utilisation of 27 percent.
Minister Made said emphasis should be put on improving research to promote new technologies and extension delivery for livestock production and this requires adequate funding.