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Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme has now reached its target of one million farmers who received 1kg packs of tick grease for free, to combat the spread of January Disease and other tick-borne related diseases on cattle.
The scheme was launched on November 20, 2020 under the Livestock Growth Plan.
Speaking during the 54th edition of the annual national breed sale organised by the Zimbabwe Herd Book yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said they recognise the importance of livestock in Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“Government has capacitated all veterinary and livestock extension workers through the Presidential Motorisation Scheme to enable them to attend to farmers’ distress calls, early disease detection and rapid response,” he said.
“Over one million cattle farmers countrywide have benefited from the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme for two years now, and the programme continues until January disease is under control.” Intensive cattle dipping has been instituted in January disease hotspots. Dr Basera said intensive dipping would continue until the disease was resolved.
Presently, foot and mouth disease is ravaging the Southern Africa, with 10 out of 15 SADC countries having reported outbreaks this year.
Dr Basera said there was a worrying threat of the European Serotype O foot and mouth disease, which has been reported in Zimbabwe’s neighbouring countries.
“My ministry recognises the importance of the stud industry in providing top quality seed stock to enhance livestock production and continues to devote considerable resources to protect and promote stud breeding,” he said. “I am encouraged that the stud industry continues to grow in the number of pedigree breeds and new registered breeders. Over the past year, the number of registered stud breeders increased by 27 percent to 204 while the total registered animals increased by 23 percent to 23 210.”
Farmers have applauded the Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme saying it has gone a long way in protecting their cattle from January disease and other tick borne-related diseases.
Mrs Kate Hook said January disease had negatively affected livestock production and trade in the country.
“We were afraid to buy or move our cattle from one point to another because of January disease but with the tick grease programme in motion, we can trade freely without any worries,” she said.
Mrs Caroline Chivake, who has 58 heifers, said the tick grease scheme had helped protect her livestock.
“My cattle are safe and I would like to thank the Government for coming up with such a scheme. I lost three bulls last year because of the January disease and I was afraid that it would spread to other cows but I am happy that they are safe.”
Mr Brian Nyamupinga commended the Government for implementing the tick grease scheme.
“Our livestock are now safe and we can now trade freely without worrying of any diseases,” he said.
Online Reporter