The Government has released $2 million to livestock chemical suppliers to boost production of acaricides used in the national cattle dipping programme as part of efforts to control tick-borne diseases during the peak rainy season.
The funding aims to strengthen livestock disease prevention and protect Zimbabwe’s national herd from infections that continue to threaten cattle productivity across the country.
Tick populations tend to increase during the rainy season, raising the risk of diseases such as theileriosis, heartwater, anaplasmosis, also known as gallsickness, and babesiosis, commonly referred to as redwater.
Authorities say approximately 10 000 cattle have died from tick-borne diseases since the start of the summer cropping season, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention measures.
Production of dipping chemicals increases
The funds will support local manufacturers producing acaricides used in community dipping tanks across the country.
During a tour of Coopers Zimbabwe, an animal health products manufacturer in Bulawayo, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the Government is working to ensure adequate supply of dipping chemicals.
“We are here to check the level of production of acaricides meant for dipping livestock in our rural communities. I am happy that we have enough product, which will carry us for the next two weeks, with the manufacturer continuing with production,” Marapira said.
He said the release of funds will allow suppliers to scale up production so that the chemicals can be distributed to rural dipping points beginning this week.
“We want to promise our farmers that help is coming. Acaricides will be in their communities starting from this week,” he said.
Farmers urged to support dipping programme
Marapira urged farmers to support the programme by paying the livestock dipping levy, which is set at $2 per animal per year, while the Government contributes an additional $1 per animal.
“If our farmers can give us more, the suppliers will also be able to produce the chemical as per requirement,” he said.
Zimbabwe has more than 4 000 communal dip tanks nationwide, which form part of the country’s integrated tick and tick-borne disease control programme.
High-risk areas include Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces.
Protecting Zimbabwe’s livestock sector
Livestock remains a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, providing draught power, meat, milk and an important source of wealth for rural households.
The Government is also monitoring other major animal health threats such as foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease and rabies.
Authorities say vaccination campaigns are ongoing to protect both livestock and communities, particularly in areas bordering wildlife conservancies where disease transmission risks are higher.
To strengthen livestock disease control, the Government is rehabilitating 200 dip tanks, constructing 40 new ones and installing boreholes to ensure consistent water supply for dipping operations.
Under the National Development Strategy Two programme, Zimbabwe aims to grow its national cattle herd while improving nutrition security and strengthening rural economies.
By Granite Post Reporter
