Online Reporter
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
RESIDENTS in Robert Sinyoka on the outskirts of Bulawayo, who are also cattle owners have been called on to ensure they acquire vaccines for lumpy skin disease, which are essential for controlling the disease that has killed close to 15 cattle.
Lumpy skin disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo, characterised by fever and the development of firm, raised nodules on the skin.
Transmitted mainly by blood-feeding insects like flies and mosquitoes, it can lead to reduced milk production, weight loss, damaged hides and potentially death in severe cases.
The situation in Robert Sinyoka, Ward 17 has be exacerbated by water shortages in the area with livestock traveling long distances in search of water.
In an interview, Pumula Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Sichelesile Mahlangu called on the residents to vaccinate their cattle to avoid further losses.
“This is a serious situation we are faced with because cattle are dying. Most cattle here travel some long distance in search of water and pastures as well this could be a contributing factor to them getting diseases,” she said.
“I urge farmers to ensure they get vaccines on time to ensure they do not continue to lose more of their cattle. In terms of water, once we get the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) we will ensure we solarise the community borehole that is already there and drill more.”
She said they were targeting about 12 boreholes for the constituency, however with the delay in the disbursement of the funds this has affected and worsened the water challenges.
Mahlangu assured the residents that all the promises to ensure availability of water and other key projects will be fulfilled in due course.
Anti-Stock Forum leader, Mr Mandlenkosi Gumunyu said the rains were also creating ideal conditions that favour the spread of the virus and its insect carriers.
“Statistics indicate that 15 cows have been lost due to the outbreak. Rains are also contributing to the spread of lumpy skin disease by creating warm, humid conditions that promote the proliferation and activity of blood-feeding insect vectors like mosquitoes, flies, and ticks,” he said.
He said the situation was worrying as most peri-urban residents depend on their livestock for their livelihoods.
Mr Gumunyu said community members had pooled resources to buy vaccines to protect surviving cattle, while other villagers relied on the old dipping system to control ticks.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is presently deploying livestock vaccines to identified hotspots as part of a comprehensive integrated tick and tick-borne disease programme to safeguard the national herd, especially as the rainy season begins.
DVS chief director, Dr Pious Makaya recently said 100 000 cattle are being vaccinated against the January disease (theileriosis), while another 40 000 animals in high-risk areas are receiving vaccines for babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
“The vaccines for these tick-borne illnesses are being produced locally, ensuring continuous supply and curbing potential disease surges,” he said.
To strengthen preparedness for the 2025/2026 rainy season, the Government has rolled out the Livestock Production and Health Summer Plan, whose key focus areas include intensified control of tick-borne diseases through weekly dipping and targeted vaccinations, proactive vaccination campaigns for diseases such as anthrax, improved livestock nutrition, water access and breeding programmes.
