Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
EFFORTS to enhance Zimbabwe’s livestock sector are gaining momentum as farmers collaborate with experts to boost production and ensure sustainability.
The Government has set an ambitious target of US$3,4 billion by the end of this year to improve productivity and combat cattle mortality, particularly following outbreaks of tick-borne diseases that have affected nearly half a million cattle since 2016.
Dr Pious Makaya, chief director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, highlighted the Government’s proactive approach to improving livestock health and production
“The directorate’s targeted vaccination programmes have been instrumental in controlling and preventing the spread of major animal diseases of zoonotic and economic importance.”
Key vaccination campaigns are conducted annually to protect livestock from diseases such as rabies, foot and mouth Disease (FMD), anthrax and Newcastle Disease.
These campaigns focus on high-risk areas to mitigate the impact of potentially devastating diseases.
The Government has also launched a programme that has achieved a 46 percent reduction in tick-borne disease incidence since 2023.
A national dipping programme treats cattle with acaricides, benefiting 5.4 million cattle.
Additionally, the Presidential Tick Grease Programme provides tools for tick control, benefiting 1.5 million households annually.
The use of TBD vaccines, including Theileria BOLVAC, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis, has been pivotal in providing life immunity to cattle, significantly reducing disease transmission and fatalities.
So far, 450 000 cattle from 25 TBD hotspots have been vaccinated, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strategies.
Community engagement is central to the Government’s approach.
By collaborating with local leaders and cattle owners, the Directorate ensures regular dipping and vaccination of cattle, achieving an average national dipping turnout of 73 percent during dipping seasons.
To enhance infrastructure, 160 new dip tanks have been constructed, and 1 276 dip tanks have been rehabilitated.
The sinking of 11 boreholes fitted with solar panels provides a reliable water source for dip tanks, ensuring effective operations even in resource-limited areas.
The construction of a 191.54km FMD fence around Gonarezhou National Park has reduced disease transmission between wildlife and livestock, while also mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
This initiative reflects the directorate’s commitment to managing disease transmission and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Guided by the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan (2021-2026), the Government aims to increase the national herd to 6 million this year.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Cde Davis Marapira, emphasised the need for sustainable livestock practices to adapt to climate change.
“As we stand at the crossroads of climate change, these threats can devastate herds and disrupt supply chains,” he warned.
These initiatives aim not only to boost productivity but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, ultimately improving the livelihoods of millions of Zimbabweans.
