Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE’s national cattle herd has grown by more than two percent over the past five years, even as Government activates precautionary measures to guard against outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease reported in parts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The national herd has increased from about 5.4 million cattle in 2020 to approximately 5.7 million to date, a development authorities attribute to strengthened livestock management and disease mitigation measures under the Second Republic.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said Zimbabwe’s herd remains safe, despite confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in neighbouring countries.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals and poses a significant threat to livestock production and trade if not contained.
Government has intensified surveillance, movement control and biosecurity measures to protect the national herd, as authorities remain on high alert for any potential cross-border transmission.
The steady growth of the national herd is a positive indicator for food security, rural livelihoods and the broader livestock value chain, particularly as Zimbabwe continues to position agriculture as a key driver of economic recovery.
