Andrew
Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has intensified nation-wide cattle branding awareness, urging farmers to take up the process for easy identification and as a security measure to curb thefts by rustlers.
The Department of Veterinary Services has equipped field officers with the required tools and knowledge to help farmers with branding at any nearest dip tank.
Cattle branding is a process whereby farmers get a distinct mark for their cattle.
The mark is distinct to a particular district for easy identification.
A farmer is also allowed to have personalised cattle branding, on condition that it is registered by the Registrar General’s office.
Speaking at the launch of the Veterinary Field School and Farmer graduation programme in Makoni District, Veterinary Service Department chief director, Dr Josphat Nyika, said cattle branding is a prerequisite in livestock production for reduction of disease spread and theft.
Dr Nyika said:
“When a disease outbreak is recorded from one area, it is easy to contain by localising livestock movement and this is done through barring incoming or outgoing cattle from their respective areas to which they belong.
“In the event of livestock theft, we will be able to identify the cattle by their districts and owners using a monitored system,” he said.
The Department of Veterinary Services embarked on a branding campaign in June aimed at newly-born cattle with no branding.
On top of branding, Dr Nyika urged farmers to have proper identification cards so that each cow is well-documented.
Online Reporter