Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Department of Veterinary Services has intensified efforts to contain the January Disease in Matabeleland South following reports that the disease had started spreading to various parts of the province.
Since January last year, the province has recorded over 3 790 cases and over 2 120 deaths, official figures show.
Addressing villagers from Garayemba area in Gwanda recently, Matabeleland South provincial veterinary director, Dr Enat Mdlongwa, said January Disease has been recently reported in Gwanda North area and urged farmers to adhere to set regulations to safeguard their animals.
“The January Disease kills animals at an alarming rate and we have to ensure that we safeguard our animals at all costs. In Insiza District a lot of cattle died due to this disease,” he said.
Gwanda district shares a border with Insiza district and cattle in Gwanda North are likely to cross into Insiza North to graze.
“As a result of this movement the January Disease has crossed into Gwanda and one dip tank, which is shared by Umzingwane and Gwanda recorded 25 cattle deaths in May. January Disease can wipe out an entire herd. Let’s ensure our animals are kept in pens overnight and monitor their movement during the day,” said Dr Mdlongwa.
He said the Government has already put measures to ensure that farmers dip their animals regularly within reasonable distances. Traditional leaders have also been urged to closely supervise dipping of animals and penalise farmers that were not dipping their cattle.
Dr Mdlongwa said monitoring of cattle movement will also help to fight stock theft.
“Dip tanks have been rehabilitated while new ones have been built. Government has also made efforts to ensure that acaricide which kills ticks is available. If farmers wait for the disease to strike before taking preventative measures it will be too late,” he said.
January Disease also known as Theileriosis was first reported at PBS farm in Insiza last year. The disease then spread to Umzingwane and Bulilima districts.
Dr Mdlongwa said the hotspots in the three districts are still quarantined and movement of cattle from those areas is restricted.
The hotspots are Bayethe, Bradford Farm and Amazon area in Insiza, Willbies and Godlwayo area in Umzingwane and Orap Zenzele Farm near Figree in Bulilima.
“As the Department of Veterinary Services we are still conducting awareness campaigns in order to contain the spread of the disease. There is a need for farmers to act responsibly in order to protect their animals and contain the spread of the disease. Farmers must adhere to the quarantine orders as they help to protect their animals,” said Dr Mdlongwa.
He said farmers must ensure they dip all their cattle regularly.–@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter