Bulawayo (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe government will continue to strengthen public-private-partnerships (PPPs)that promote livestock production while safeguarding the animal health status of the country, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has said.
In a statement, the DVS said through the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, the government is strengthening Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) prevention and biosecurity measures to support ethanol producer Greenfuels, which plans to expand its livestock enterprise.
A technical team from the Manicaland and Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Services recently held a strategic engagement with Greenfuels/Zim Bio-Energy/Nuanetsi in Chisumbanje to map out disease prevention measures for the company’s expanding integrated livestock enterprise.
Greenfuels currently breeds cattle in Mwenezi before transporting steers to its Chisumbanje feedlot for finishing.
The company is investing in a modern livestock production system comprising a 10 000-head feedlot and a state-of-the-art abattoir expected to create about 200 jobs.
The DVS said the collaboration demonstrates government’s commitment to supporting private sector investment while ensuring that livestock development is undertaken within a robust animal health framework.
“Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment in the livestock sector while maintaining Zimbabwe’s high animal health standards. The expansion of commercial livestock enterprises must go hand in hand with effective disease surveillance, prevention and biosecurity systems that protect both investors and communal farmers,” it said.
The veterinary experts and company officials discussed comprehensive FMD risk management measures, including the establishment of quarantine facilities, strategic vaccination programs, strengthened animal identification and traceability systems, regulated livestock movement controls and enhanced on-farm biosecurity.
According to the DVS, the measures are critical as Greenfuels intends to source cattle from communal farmers in Chipinge and Mwenezi, areas where strict disease control remains essential to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.
“A strong animal identification and traceability system, supported by controlled livestock movements and strategic vaccination, is essential for reducing the risk of disease transmission. These interventions not only safeguard commercial investments, but also protect the livelihoods of communal livestock farmers and preserve Zimbabwe’s access to regional and international livestock markets,” it explained.
The proposed abattoir will process cattle from the company’s feedlot, while also providing slaughter services to livestock producers from Chipinge and neighbouring districts, improving access to formal markets and value addition opportunities.
The DVS said continued collaboration between government and the private sector was key to achieving sustainable livestock growth without compromising national animal health.
“Public-private-partnerships are central to building a resilient livestock industry. By integrating sound veterinary practices into investment projects from the outset, we can enhance productivity, strengthen food security, create employment and ensure that Zimbabwe maintains its favourable animal health status,” it said.
The engagement forms part of government’s broader strategy to promote livestock production through increased private sector participation, while maintaining effective disease control systems under the national veterinary services program.
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