Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
Farmers have been urged to intensify dipping and application of tick grease to their livestock as a prevention measure against Theileriosis, better known as the January disease.
More than 130 cattle in the Midlands province early this year succumbed to Theileriosis with Shurugwi district the most affected.
Theileriosis is caused by a parasite (Theileria Parva) found in the blood which is transmitted between cattle by ticks.
The disease is responsible for huge economic losses in cattle assets and farm savings in Zimbabwe as they account for more than 60 percent of cattle deaths in the country.
Signs of an animal affected by January disease include swelling of the lymph nodes under the ears and on the shoulder, cloudiness of the eyes, and difficulty in breathing with froth from the nose and mouth.
The affected animal collapses and dies within a few days.
The hallmark in the control of theileriosis, like all other tick-borne diseases, is to control the tick sector.
Midlands provincial veterinary officer, Doctor Martin Sibanda said there is a need for farmers to maintain healthy herds and boost animal husbandry production.
“Farmers are being urged to intensify dipping and application of tick grease to their livestock as a prevention measure against Theileriosis, better known as the January disease,” said Dr Sibanda.
He said there will be a rise in tick populations due to increased rainfall.
“There is an urgent requirement for farmers to destock their livestock, implement regular dipping practices, and utilise specific parasite controls,” said Dr Sibanda.
Online Reporter