Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Government has urged livestock farmers in the Matabeleland region to strictly adhere to the cattle dipping programme to curb the spread of tick-borne diseases, which have already claimed more than 1 000 cattle this year.
Authorities say the losses, largely attributed to January disease, are threatening livestock production and rural livelihoods in a region where cattle play a critical role in household incomes, draught power and food security.
Briefing reporters in Bulawayo on the sidelines of a ministerial tour of Coppers Zimbabwe, a major supplier of dipping chemicals, Matabeleland North provincial veterinary officer Dr Gwinyai Zhadire said the province has been severely affected, with most deaths recorded in Bubi District.
“In Matabeleland North, we have lost about 1600 cattle mostly in Bubi district anda bitnof Nkayi,” he said.
The veterinary services department says the outbreak highlights the need for farmers to consistently follow the dipping schedule to protect their livestock from tick infestations that spread deadly diseases.
Dr Zhadire said Government is working with private sector partners to ensure adequate supplies of dipping chemicals across the country, a critical component in controlling tick-borne diseases.
“As Government we are partnering with private players such as Coppers Zimbabwe who are our major suppliers of dipping chemicals,” he noted.
Tick-borne diseases remain one of the biggest threats to Zimbabwe’s national herd, particularly in communal areas where compliance with dipping programmes can sometimes be inconsistent.
Dr Zhadire noted that such diseases account for a significant proportion of livestock mortality across the country.
He noted that tick borne diseases account for a out 60-70 percent of livestock deaths depending on the location.
He added that while Government has remained committed to implementing dipping programmes, low compliance by some livestock farmers continues to undermine efforts to control outbreaks.
He added that Government has been on the forefront for dipping programmes but livestock farmers have been the missing link due to low compliance.
Authorities say strengthening collaboration between Government, private sector suppliers and farmers will be key to protecting the national herd and safeguarding rural livelihoods dependent on livestock production.
