Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
As forecasts point to a potentially severe El Niño season, Government has intensified livestock protection measures in Masvingo Province, rolling out an aggressive anthrax vaccination campaign while accelerating dip tank rehabilitation and water development programmes in a decisive push to safeguard the provincial herd before drought conditions tighten their grip.
The intervention, spearheaded by the Department of Veterinary Services, has already exceeded its initial target, with more than 160 000 cattle vaccinated against anthrax, well above the planned 130 000.
At the same time, rehabilitation of dip tanks, borehole drilling, fodder conservation and livestock nutrition programmes are being implemented across the province to strengthen resilience against the twin threats of disease and drought.
Speaking during an anthrax vaccination programme at Makurumidze Diptank in Zimuto, Masvingo District recently, Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr Kremar Manyetu said the campaign was deliberately targeting areas that have recorded anthrax outbreaks over the past decade, where prolonged dry conditions are likely to expose dormant anthrax spores buried beneath the soil.
“As vegetation diminishes during drought, animals graze much closer to the ground, increasing the risk of exposure to anthrax spores that may have remained dormant for years,” he said.
“That is why Government has moved ahead of time to vaccinate cattle before outbreaks occur.”
Dr Manyetu said the programme had now expanded beyond the original hotspot areas to include communities that last experienced outbreaks 15 to 20 years ago, ensuring wider protection for the provincial herd.
The vaccination campaign forms part of a broader livestock resilience strategy that extends beyond disease prevention.
Masvingo, he said, is rehabilitating 120 dip tanks this year out of the province’s 740 facilities, adding to approximately 140 dip tanks that have already been rehabilitated over the past three years.
The programme is progressing across all districts, with at least 24 dip tanks undergoing rehabilitation in each district, while Government has already availed the required materials to ensure completion before the rainy season.
To guarantee reliable water supplies for livestock and dipping operations, boreholes are being drilled while new water troughs are being installed at strategic sites.
Government is also intensifying hay baling, promoting fodder production, training farmers in feed conservation and stover treatment, while encouraging communities to prevent veld fires that destroy valuable grazing. Baling equipment has already been distributed to support feed preservation ahead of the dry months.
For many farmers, the interventions have become the difference between despair and renewed confidence.
Mr Shamiso Taruvinga said previous anthrax outbreaks had devastated livelihoods in his community, with cattle often dying within days while families struggled to afford treatment.
“Cattle are our bank. They pay school fees, provide income and sustain our families. We had no money to buy vaccines or medicines, so losing cattle was devastating.
“We are grateful that Government has brought this vaccination programme because it is protecting our livelihoods,” he said.
Mrs Sara Chimbuya, a mother of five from Zimuto, said farmers had been preparing for a difficult agricultural season after receiving climate advisories and extension support.
“We have been trained on crop production and we also understand that livestock diseases become a major concern during drought periods.
“Government has acted before problems arise by vaccinating our cattle against anthrax, and we deeply appreciate that support because our livestock are our source of survival,” she said.
For Mbuya Tavagwisa, the programme carries painful memories of past losses.
She recalled losing seven cattle to livestock diseases before dipping and vaccination programmes were strengthened.
“Today we are seeing the difference. Government interventions have greatly reduced these losses, and we are confident that our cattle are now much better protected,” she said.
The transformation is equally visible at Zimuto dip tank, where villagers from 11 surrounding villages joined hands to rehabilitate the facility alongside Government.
Village representative Mr Godfrey Mashamba, said the community had previously travelled long distances to access dipping services, exposing cattle to disease while placing a heavy burden on elderly livestock owners.
“Rehabilitating this dip tank changes everything. Farmers no longer have to travel long distances to dip their cattle, making disease control much easier. Before this, we frequently experienced outbreaks of tick-borne diseases because access to dipping facilities was limited.
“This facility will improve livestock health and strengthen our communities,” he said.
The comprehensive programme reflects Government’s growing emphasis on acting before crises unfold, ensuring livestock remain productive even under increasingly difficult climatic conditions. By combining vaccination, disease surveillance, improved water infrastructure, stronger dipping systems and enhanced feed security, Masvingo is building a first line of defence designed to protect both the provincial herd and the livelihoods of thousands of rural households that depend on it.
