Story by Mercy Bofu
THE government is partnering with tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to ensure the growth of the livestock sector.
This comes after the refurbishment and upgrading of the Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Laboratory.
Despite being known for livestock production, Masvingo province has lost large numbers of cattle as a result of successive animal disease outbreaks.
There is, however, hope for a better future after the commissioning of a refurbished Provincial Veterinary Laboratory.
Besides detecting livestock diseases, the laboratory is expected to enhance research on animal bugs.
“This development is a major relief for us as farmers. Between 2021 and 2023 we lost herds of cattle, and we are hoping the new laboratory will assist in detecting the disease early and promote research on variants of animal diseases,” said a farmer.
Another farmer said, “We are looking forward to improved herds because with the laboratory there will be early detection of diseases.”
The laboratory was refurbished under the Livestock Production Systems Zimbabwe Project, with the main objective being to increase productivity in the dry Regions 4 and 5.
“The University of Zimbabwe through the faculty of Veterinary Science is privileged to provide academic leadership to proffer solutions for improved surveillance and control of livestock diseases in Zimbabwe,” said the University of Zimbabwe Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Gift Matope.
Livestock Production Systems Zimbabwe national coordinator, Professor Sikhalazo Dube said, “By this project, we are trying to help mitigate the challenges posed by livestock diseases such as tick-borne diseases, anthrax and others. The project is being implemented in five provinces covering regions 4 and 5.”
The provincial leadership is also excited about the laboratory which is expected to boost livestock and poultry production.
“As a province, we are privileged to have this laboratory hence I urge all our farmers and all relevant stakeholders to take advantage of this laboratory to improve our herd at the provincial and national level,” said Masvingo’s Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa.
In support of livestock production, the government has launched several schemes including the Presidential Heifer scheme, poultry programme, Presidential tick grease initiative and refurbishment of dip-tanks across the country.
