Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Zimpapers Reporter
The GOVERNMENT has intensified livestock disease surveillance as regional outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and persistent rains heighten the risk of tick-borne illnesses.
Under National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), the country is aiming to transform the livestock sector into a US$25billion industry by 2030 to achieve national nutrition security and grow rural economies.
In an interview on Monday morning, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri confirmed that a recent FMD outbreak in Mangwe district, linked to a stray buffalo, was being contained.
“We have notified the area and are taking all necessary measures to ensure the situation remains under control,” he said.
While Zimbabwe remains largely safe, he said, outbreaks in neighbouring South Africa, Botswana and Zambia necessitate increased vigilance along border regions.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and may issue further guidance in the coming days to prevent the spread of FMD into our country,” he said.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, causing fever, blisters in the mouth and hooves, reduced milk production and in severe cases, death, which can lead to devastating economic losses for farmers and disrupt the national livestock industry.
Any interaction with infected animals or contaminated environments can pass FMD, which is largely controlled through strict movement controls, quarantine and biosecurity are critical in outbreaks.
In a separate interview, Directorate of Veterinary Services chief director Dr Pious Makaya highlighted that the current rainy season has amplified the threat of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), which can devastate herds if not controlled.
“Theileriosis, also known as January Disease, remains the most significant threat. However, we are monitoring a complex of four TBDs, including Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Cowdriosis, transmitted by different tick species,” he said.
Dr Makaya said Theileriosis attacks the lymph nodes and can cause high cattle mortality, while Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis affect red blood cells, leading to fever and anemia.
Cowdriosis targets the nervous system, causing fluid accumulation around the heart and lungs.
“Unchecked, these diseases threaten both livestock health and national food security,” he said.
The government has implemented a robust integrated tick and disease control programme covering more than 800 000 families.
The programme combines mandatory dipping under the 5-5-4 schedule, vaccination campaigns, and strategic interventions for remote areas.
In 2025, over 60 000 communal cattle were vaccinated against Theileriosis in identified hotspots, while 40 000 received inoculations for Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis.
To ensure all dip tanks remain functional, the government is rehabilitating 200 existing facilities, constructing 40 new tanks and providing boreholes at strategic points to guarantee water availability.
Trained veterinary extension officers are stationed at ward level to guide farmers and respond rapidly to disease outbreaks.
Pour-on acaricides have been distributed to 8 000 families in arid regions where plunge dips are not feasible.
Dr Makaya warned that failure to comply with dipping and vaccination schedules could result in significant fines under the Animal Health Act and compromise national herd recovery.
“Village leadership and veterinary extension teams are mobilising communities to ensure compliance. Every farmer’s cooperation is critical to protect Zimbabwe’s livestock and food security,” he said.
Prof Jiri said the ongoing interventions have drastically reduced January Disease fatalities since the 2017 outbreak.
“Through vaccines, dipping regimes, and community engagement, we are keeping our herds healthy, but vigilance is key. The rainy season and regional disease threats require us to remain proactive to prevent large-scale losses,” he said.
