Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- Government is targeting to brand 2,5 million cattle this year under a nationwide livestock identification programme to improve traceability, and help curb stock theft and strengthen disease control.
The branding programme, being spearheaded by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), comes at a time when government has also announced the transition of the national dipping programme from a weekly to a fortnightly schedule following a marked decline in tick activity and tick-borne diseases during the winter season.
In a statement, the Veterinary Services Directorate said the national cattle branding exercise was a critical component of government efforts to modernise livestock management systems and protect the country’s cattle herd.
“The national cattle branding programme continues to gain momentum, with government targeting the branding of 2,5 million cattle this year.
“This initiative will improve livestock traceability, strengthen disease control measures, reduce stock theft and enhance market access for farmers,” the directorate said.
Zimbabwe has one of the largest cattle populations in the region, with communal farmers accounting for the bulk of the national herd.
Veterinary authorities say effective identification and traceability systems are becoming increasingly important in managing disease outbreaks and supporting livestock trade.
The directorate said improvements in livestock health had enabled authorities to reduce dipping frequency from weekly to fortnightly intervals during the winter months.
“The adjustment follows the expected reduction in tick activity during the cold season and the significant decline in cases of major tick-borne diseases, including Theileriosis, commonly known as January Disease, Babesiosis (Redwater), Anaplasmosis (Gallsickness) and Heartwater,” said the directorate.
These positive developments were attributed to government investments in livestock health programmes, including the regular supply of acaricides, strengthened disease surveillance systems, farmer education campaigns and the continued implementation of the national dipping programme.
The fortnightly dipping schedule is also expected to create room for other critical livestock health interventions at dip tanks across the country.
“These activities will include rehabilitation and maintenance of dip tanks, desilting operations, anthrax vaccinations and the rollout of other animal disease prevention programmes,” said the directorate.
The livestock sector remains a key pillar of the agricultural economy, providing income, draught power, nutrition and financial security to millions of rural households.
Experts say protecting animal health is essential to sustaining productivity and supporting national food security objectives.
While tick populations typically decline during winter, veterinary officials have cautioned farmers against becoming complacent.
“Farmers should continue presenting their cattle whenever dipping sessions are scheduled and actively participate in all livestock health programmes being implemented at dip tanks. The risk of tick-borne diseases remains in areas where dipping compliance is poor,” the directorate said.
The country has in recent years intensified efforts to combat tick-borne diseases, particularly January Disease, which has historically caused significant cattle losses and economic damage in farming communities.
New Ziana
