Story by Tafara Chikumira
More than 130 cattle in the Midlands province have succumbed to Theileriosis, better known as the January disease, with Shurugwi district the most affected.
Farmers in the Midlands province are battling to contain the disease which has become a perennial challenge across the region.
Government says the disease caused by ticks in the first week of January is not easy to contain, with farmers being urged to practice proper farming methods in dealing with the scourge.
Midlands provincial veterinary officer, Doctor Martin Sibanda said, “The problem with Theileriosis disease is that it’s becoming a career disease which recurs over time. In this province, Shurugwi is the most affected and we have also been advised of other areas like Mvuma, Lalapansi, Zvishavane and Mberengwa around the Neta area. We recommend that farmers do intensive Deeping as a way to control the disease.”
Government has since dispatched the necessary vaccines to deal with the outbreak in problematic areas.
“On our part, we have dispatched the required medicine which will last the next two months. However, we urge farmers to invest in the medicine to deal with this disease all the time. Farming is a business and as such, we need to put in place mechanisms to protect such wealth.”
Last year, the Midlands province lost over 700 cattle to the January disease which has seen government and its development partners putting in place mechanisms to minimise loss.
