Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is intensifying efforts to combat livestock diseases as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2025/2026 rainy season, a period traditionally associated with increased disease prevalence.
Chief Director of DVS, Dr Pious Makaya said the programme is anchored on enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and robust field-level interventions designed to protect national herd health and strengthen food security.
“As the nation prepares for the 2025/2026 summer season, we are scaling up a comprehensive, science-anchored programme to curb the entry, establishment, and spread of animal diseases,” Dr Makaya said.
The Directorate has heightened surveillance mechanisms through the decentralisation of laboratory services to provinces and districts, supported by targeted training of Government Veterinary Officers, Animal Health Inspectors, Veterinary Extension Officers, and extension staff.
“We want our frontline teams to be equipped with the right tools and modern skills so that detection, reporting, and response become faster and more precise,” he said.
National vaccination campaigns are being expanded to fortify the country against priority diseases, including the foot-and-mouth disease, anthrax, rabies, and Newcastle disease.
The Rabies Control Strategy dossier has been submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Dr Makaya added that the implementation of the Intensive Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Control Programme (ITTBDCP) is being accelerated, including payment of arrears to acaricide suppliers, rehabilitation of dip tanks, solarisation of boreholes, and strengthening of strategic tick-borne disease vaccination.
Beyond immediate disease control, DVS is also investing in long-term animal health and production systems, including genetic improvement, expansion of cold-chain infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, and the drive towards establishing disease-free compartments.
Dr Makaya confirmed progress on key dossiers submitted to WOAH, including the PPR Historical Freedom dossier, which has been accepted for evaluation, marking a milestone towards securing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s animal health status.
These interventions are part of a broader national commitment to guarantee dependable food supplies.
Lonster Mutata is a Communications and Advocacy Officer in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
