Govt moves to reduce January disease menace

Government has fully restored the national livestock dipping programme by making acaricides  available across all provinces, a development expected to dramatically curb tick-borne diseases during the peak rainy season and safeguard the country’s livestock productivity.

The authorities have intensified dipping as the first line of defence against production-limiting and economically devastating diseases such as theileriosis, heartwater, anaplasmosis (gallsickness) and babesiosis (redwater).

The renewed nationwide availability of acaricides strengthens the Integrated Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Control Programme, which places vector control at the centre of disease management.

Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Pious Makaya said, “Dipping is the cornerstone of tick control, especially during the rainy season when tick populations explode. With acaricides now reaching every province, farmers can protect their herds more effectively than ever before.”

“Our integrated approach combines consistent dipping with targeted vaccination whenever disease breakthroughs occur. This strategy has already saved countless animals and will continue to reduce mortalities by up to 80% where vaccination is promptly applied.”

Authorities emphasised that dipping schedules should be strictly followed and that dip-wash preparation must meet supplier specifications. “Correct mixing is essential,” Dr Makaya said.

“It not only ensures maximum efficacy but also helps prevent acaricide resistance. Farmers and dip attendants must prioritise safety while adhering to best practices.”

Makaya also revealed that Veterinary Extension services are also urging farmers to remain vigilant against production diseases that intensify during the wet season, including mastitis, scours in calves and internal parasites.

At the sidelines of his Saturday seminar,  top commercial  cattle and goat breeder Peter Machakwa said farmers should religiously dip cattle to curb January disease.

“Dipping is the most effective way of dealing with January disease. In case, the disease attacks one’s animals, one should  administer treatments like Butachem or Butacure,oxytetracycline, multivitamin, imochem 120 and antiflamatory drug. The ranchers should repeat this treatment after 72 hours,” Machakwa said.

He urged farmers to  constantly monitor their  animals to achieve early detection of the disease.

Farmers are encouraged to dose animals regularly to safeguard productivity.

Beyond tick-borne diseases, the Government continues to monitor major transboundary and zoonotic threats such as foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease and rabies.

Rabies remains a particular concern in urban areas and communities bordering conservancies and national parks, where jackals act as a key reservoir. Vaccination campaigns are ongoing to protect both human and animal populations.

Encouragingly, farmer confidence in vaccines is growing.

This season alone, more than 115 000 cattle have been vaccinated using Borovac, with demand steadily rising.

Plans are underway to expand local vaccine production capacity to meet national requirements, particularly during periods when dipping may be disrupted.

Makaya said: “We are seeing tremendous commitment from farmers. The combination of nationwide dipping and expanding vaccination coverage is already delivering positive results, strengthening livestock health and securing rural livelihoods across Zimbabwe.”

“With acaricides now fully accessible and our integrated approach in place, the outlook for livestock health this season has never been brighter,” he concluded.