Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
GOVERNMENT has warned farmers that failure to regularly dip cattle will attract penalties, as authorities intensify efforts to combat tick-borne diseases threatening the national herd.
Chief Director Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, said cattle dipping remains central to the country’s integrated tick-borne disease control programme.
“Cattle dipping is the most important aspect of the integrated tick and tick disease programme, so we want every farmer to dip their cattle. We have provided adequate chemicals; we now want continuous dipping of animals. There is no reason not to dip cattle,” he said.
The government’s renewed push comes as Zimbabwe moves to safeguard its estimated 5.7 million cattle herd from diseases such as January disease, which has previously caused significant losses.
In Shamva, farmer Stephen Jiti recalled losing 27 cattle to the disease in 2019, leaving him with only two.
“I want to celebrate the sprucing up of our dip tank. It is very important to dip cattle. Personally, I lost 27 cattle to January disease in 2019,” he said.
The rehabilitation of Bushu Dip Tank, now equipped with a solar-powered borehole, is part of a broader partnership between government and Chinese agricultural experts aimed at strengthening livestock health systems.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure development. They are about improving lives, increasing income, and building lasting partnerships,” Jiti added.
Tick-borne diseases have been classified as economic threats due to their severe impact on livestock production and rural livelihoods, prompting authorities to enforce stricter compliance measures.
