Online ReporterJudith Phiri [email protected]
THE Matabeleland North acting provincial director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu has said they are conducting investigations on the impact of a poisonous Umkawuzane plant (Lippia javanica) which is rampant in parts of the province and can have devastating effects on livestock.
Mr Ndlovu said the weed was a challenge, especially in grazing areas and it kills animals instantly after ingesting it.
“In the province we have districts like Nkayi, Lupane, Tsholotsho and also Umguza specifically in Ward 14, but as of now, we have not yet received reports pertaining the deaths of animals killed by this poisonous plant,” he said.
“Yes, cases might be there, but we have not yet received some formal reports, that much I cannot doubt. We will then confirm when we have received the reports and also the Department of Veterinary Services they have to do a post-mortem and certify that this is plant poisoning, because it might be diseases that are causing the deaths of the animals.”
He however, said during this time of the year, usually they do not experience poisoning by this plant, because the plant blooms during winter.
Mr Ndlovu said during this time of the year, animals 100 percent avoid it, because they now know it.
“It can be unfortunate to an animal that is new to that area. Animals totally avoid to eat it during this time of the year, because it is not palatable to some certain extent.
“They just eat it during winter when there is no green material, because during winter the plant is very green. However, this is very difficult to eradicate because the plant is highly deep rooted. The root can grow up to more than 2 metres, 2.5 metres to 3 metres depending on soil depth,” he said.
He said the plant was very difficult to eradicate because it sprouts very fast and the moment one tries to remove it, it multiplies at a faster rate.
Mr Ndlovu said the Lupane State University (LSU) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) were doing some research work to fully understand its behaviour and explore ways to eradicate it.
“We hope if God allows and guides them, they will be able to totally eradicate it. However, these areas have been staying with it for too long and they now know how to manage it.
“We are encouraging farmers to guide their animals during grazing, not to go in highly infested areas, because animals can mix that with the grasses and then they get poisoned. The rumen will be totally damaged and the animal dies instantly,” he added.
He said they continue to carry out investigations and they have raised an alarm to their districts teams and business advisers for both ARDAS and the Department of Veterinary Services.
Mr Ndlovu said they have also since asked different farmer groups, if any suspect livestock deaths due to the poisonous Umkawuzane plant to quickly report to them, the Department of Veterinary Services or the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to ensure post-mortem is carried out for the livestock to ascertain the cause of the death.
