WATCH: Hwange, Binga to receive fresh stock of dipping chemicals in national livestock protection drive

Nqobile Bhebhe

GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to curb tick-borne diseases with a consignment of dipping chemicals set to be transported to Hwange and Binga today as part of a national livestock protection programme.

Agriculture, Lands, and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the chemicals will support cattle dipping in Matabeleland North and other provinces as authorities move to safeguard the national herd from deadly tick-borne diseases.

Briefing journalists during a tour of Coopers Zimbabwe to assess production capacity and preparedness to support the national cattle dipping programme, Deputy Minister Marapira said there was adequate stock to sustain the country in the short term while production continues.

“The product we have here will go to Masvingo and Matabeleland North and South. It will go to Binga and Hwange starting today (Thursday).

“The product we have here will carry the country for the next two weeks while the manufacturer continues to process on a daily basis,” he said.

Deputy Minister Marapira said government was working closely with private sector manufacturers to ensure uninterrupted supply of dipping chemicals as part of a broader strategy to protect livestock and rural livelihoods.

He warned that tick activity increases significantly during the rainy season when grazing conditions improve, making strict adherence to dipping schedules critical.

“There is too much activity of tick when the grass is green, so if we follow dipping regime, we are going to reduce January disease and other tick-borne related diseases,” he said.

“The only solution is to dip religiously.”

Tick-borne diseases, particularly Theileriosis commonly known as January disease have in recent years caused significant cattle losses across the country, threatening food security and rural incomes.

Livestock plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, providing draught power, meat, milk and a critical source of wealth for rural households.

Government has therefore stepped up efforts to ensure consistent dipping of cattle at community dip tanks, with regular supplies of chemicals and increased monitoring of dipping programmes.