Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
THE Department of Veterinary Services has urged farmers to brand their animals to help control diseases and curb cases of stock theft. The department has been carrying out campaigns on animal branding over the branding season which has just come to an end.
The branding season stretches from April to August. A brand mark helps to identify an animal’s village, district and province of origin through a code. Movement of animals from one area to another, especially illegally can result in the spread of diseases from one area to another. Brand marks can help authorities to track carriers of the disease to their village of origin leading to the containment of the disease.
They have also helped in the identification and recovery of stolen cattle. Matabeleland South provincial veterinary director, Dr Enat Mdlongwa said most farmers have been forthcoming in branding their animals.
“We have just finished the branding season where we were mobilising farmers to brand their animals. Each brand mark has a provincial, dip tank and district code which make it easy for the animals to be traced to where it’s coming from.
This is crucial in controlling diseases,” he said. “When there is an outbreak we are able to trace the disease and where it could have originated from and contain the situation at the source. That’s why it’s also important for farmers to desist from moving animals illegally to avoid spread of diseases.”
He said while most farmers have branded their animals some have not yet complied hence the need for continuous engagement with the farmers. Dr Mdlongwa said it was illegal for people to obliterate any brand mark. He urged farmers to be protective of their animals and not give stock thieves an opportunity to dupe them.
“If all farmers brand their animals and stop facilitating the illegal movement of animals then they will block activities of cattle rustlers. The problem is that farmers are making it easy for these criminals by breaking the law themselves thereby creating a window to become targets. We also urge people to report whenever they see brand marks that have been obliterated,” he said.
Matabeleland South province has been battling with theilerosis, a cattle disease also known as January Disease which was reported in Insiza District. While the situation is under control Dr Mdlongwa has urged farmers to continue dipping their animals under the 5-5-4 dipping regime system.
Under the dipping system, farmers were supposed to dip their animals after five days, dip them again after five days and then dip them after four days before reverting to five days.
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