Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
Gutu– Persistent outbreaks of livestock diseases, including lumpy skin and tick-borne infections like January disease (Theileriosis), are threatening to undermine Masvingo’s otherwise strong livestock season, veterinary authorities have warned.
Lumpy skin disease, a viral infection that causes fever, nodules on the skin, and significant weight loss in cattle, has been reported in parts of the province, alongside January disease and other tick-borne illnesses that can lead to serious losses if not controlled.
Dr Krammer Manyetu, Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Services Director, speaking during a recent field day held in Sonke Farms, Zvavahera in Gutu district, encouraged farmers to work with the extension officers in controlling diseases as they remain an area of concern.
“We continue to advise farmers to vaccinate their livestock and maintain regular dipping schedules. Weekly dipping should continue until winter, followed by fortnightly routines.
“We also encourage farmers to deworm their livestock to prevent weight loss and maintain productivity during the harsher months ahead,” says Dr Manyetu.
Farmers are also encouraged to remain vigilant despite the improved grazing and water availability brought by above-average rainfall.
“The current situation for livestock in Masvingo is encouraging. We have sufficient grazing and adequate drinking water, which has greatly improved the condition of livestock,” he said.
Farmers have also been encouraged to improve livestock management systems, such as proper handling facilities for small livestock and the use of multiple pens to reduce disease transmission.
In addition, warnings have also been issued against veld fires, which could destroy grazing lands and weaken livestock resilience ahead of the dry season.
While the rains have boosted grazing and water supplies, experts caution that without firm disease control measures, the province risks losing its livestock gains.
Over 300 cattle have succumbed to sickness, including January Disease, by the beginning of the year in Gutu district alone.
Gutu District Veterinary Officer, Dr Tinovonga Mufukari, confirmed in a report presented at the Gutu Rural Development Committee meeting held recently that 258 cattle had succumbed to the disease by January.
“The district has recorded 4 364 cases since November last year, and 1 016 cases were recorded between January and February, resulting in 258 deaths during the same period,” Mufukari said.
Gutu district, which has a herd of 146 649, faces serious threats as the current herd is set to diminish if the challenges are not addressed.
Although Centre News could not establish the number of cattle lost to diseases in the whole province, Dr Manyetu said the situation was still dire.
Some farmers in communal areas in the province have, however, lamented erratic dipping schedules by the government due to lack of adequate availability of dipping chemicals.
Most dip tanks in the rural areas have run dry and have gone for months without getting a supply of dipping chemicals for farmers and villagers to dip their livestock.
In the same vein struggling communal farmers hardly afford to buy the dipping chemicals and vaccinations vaccines from private veterinary shops due to high prices.
