Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
AS the 2026 rainy season continues, livestock farmers across the country have been urged to be wary of January Disease (Theileriosis) — a tick-borne disease that spreads rapidly in warm, wet conditions and can wipe out entire herds if not controlled.
According to reports, tick-borne diseases such as January Disease have accounted for more than 65 percent of cattle deaths in Zimbabwe since 2016. In a farmer advisory alert, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development noted that prevention is critical and tick control remains the primary solution.
“Weekly dipping is mandatory. All cattle must be dipped weekly during the rainy season in line with Government policy to control the brown ear tick. Farmers should pay dipping levies and ensure correct acaricide dilution as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray races are highly recommended for the best results,” the ministry stated.
Farmers in high-risk areas or those experiencing outbreaks have been instructed to use the “5-5-4” dipping regime. Under this model, livestock are dipped every five days for two cycles, followed by a four-day interval before the five-day schedule resumes. The ministry also emphasised the importance of applying tick grease to sensitive areas — such as the inside of the ears, the udder, and under the tail — for added protection.
“Regarding vaccination, the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine is now available in increased quantities. Farmers should contact their local veterinary office for access. Watch for early warning signs: inspect cattle daily for swollen lymph nodes (under the ears or shoulders), loss of appetite, breathing difficulties or frothing, watery or cloudy eyes, fever and weakness,” the advisory reads.
The ministry also stressed mandatory reporting and compliance, calling on farmers to report any suspected cases or sudden deaths to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) within 24 hours. Furthermore, a ban on the movement of cattle in affected areas remains in place, as moving sick or tick-infested animals fuel outbreaks.
On the legal front, the Ministry warned: “Failure to dip cattle is an offence under the Animal Health Act and may result in fines or arrest. Protect your herd; prevention saves wealth.”
Matabeleland North Provincial Veterinary Services Director, Dr Gwinyai Zhandire, noted that January disease began affecting cattle in the Bubi District in February 2025.
“Government has provided dipping chemicals for the implementation of the 5-5-4 model in affected areas since June 2025. Additionally, the BOLVAC vaccine is available for the immunisation of animals in high-risk areas, and administration is currently underway for consenting farmers,” he said.
He added that the best way to prevent the disease is to adhere religiously to the Government-instituted dipping programme.
However, Dr Zhandire observed with concern that despite Government efforts, some farmers were failing to bring their cattle for dipping on scheduled days, causing the disease to persist.
Sharing these sentiments, Matabeleland South Provincial Veterinary Services Director, Dr Enat Mdlongwa, called on farmers to take advantage of Government initiatives, including the Presidential Tick Grease Programme.
“2024 was not a good year for livestock farmers, but in 2025, cases decreased significantly because people now understand the 5-5-4 dipping regime. Farmers should continue bringing their animals for dipping regularly, as this has drastically reduced the tick’s life cycle,” Dr Mdlongwa said.
He urged farmers in the province to take up the BOLVAC vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity. He noted that the province has approximately 8 000 doses available, which remains largely untaken despite the region being one of the worst affected.
Livestock specialist and farmer, Mr Mhlupheki Dube, added that dipping should be applied to a farmer’s entire herd without exception.
“Farmers can also buy their own acaricides and not only wait for the Government to provide them,” he suggested.
Matabeleland South has been particularly hard hit over the past two years, at one point recording daily mortality rates as high as 89 cattle. Nationally, over 500 000 cattle, valued at approximately US$150 million, were lost to January Disease between 2018 and 2022.
In response, the Government targeted the production and roll-out of over 350 000 doses of the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine in 2025. Zimbabwe resumed local production of the vaccine in 2022 after a hiatus of nearly two decades.
