By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo

THE outbreaks of Theileriosis, commonly known as January disease, pose a significant threat to cattle in Insiza and those in surrounding districts, a senior Government official has said.

The provincial director of Veterinary Service Department, Dr. Enat Mdlongwa, confirmed the outbreaks although he was not immediately able to indicate the exact statistics of the current cattle deaths. But he said a team would be conducting sensitisation/awareness programmes in Insiza District.

The condition can only be managed by eradicating or minimising the ticks from affected areas.  If not managed properly, it can lead to a significant loss of cattle as the disease stems from a parasite transmitted by the brown ear tick, causing animals to experience fever, anaemia and death.

“I can confirm that cattle deaths are still rising in Insiza District, hence we will do more awareness campaigns and provide lasting solutions to farmers. Some farmers have already closed their cattle pens after losing all their cattle due to Theileriosis disease. Of course, some of the deaths emanated from last year’s devastating drought.

“In addition to dipping their cattle, we also encourage farmers to physically apply tick grease to the ears of their cattle and monitor that there are no surviving ticks inside them,” said Dr Mdlongwa.

On current statistics, Dr Mdlongwa could only say that the figures were “on the high side”.

“Figures are rising on a daily basis. However, I cannot give the exact statistics now because not all farmers are reporting to our officers on the ground,” he said.

But unconfirmed reports say the numbers are close to 1000, while neighbouring districts fear that the disease might spread to their areas if nothing is done urgently.

The worse affected area is Fort Rixon, while other parts of the district also experience similar cattle deaths.

Recently, Insiza District Development Co-ordinator, Shepard Tshuma, urged farmers to continuously dip their cattle in order to avoid more deaths.

“It is unfortunate that the January Disease is still upon us. Yes, cattle are dying due this tick-borne disease. As an authority, we urge farmers to dip their animals because failure to do so can attract a heavy fine. Besides dipping, we also urge farmers to take good care of their animals by kraaling them daily,” said Tshuma.

Theileriosis is one of the tick-borne diseases that account for more than 60 percent of all cattle deaths recorded in the country annually.

The disease has resurfaced with a vengeance, following the massive rains experienced in the district and country. Good rains provide a breeding ground for the brown ear ticks, allowing the disease to spread rapidly.

A local farmer from Sibasa area, Innocent Nkomo, also confirmed the spread of the disease.

“In as much as we celebrate the good rains, we are crying on other hand. We lost a number of cattle last year and unfortunate some of us are still experiencing cattle deaths. This time around our cattle are being killed by January disease. Last year I lost 13 cattle due to the effects of drought and last week two of my cows succumbed to January disease,” said Nkomo.

“If the rain continues, I am afraid I will lose all my remaining cattle. I will be left with nothing and I do not know how I will survive. More than 60 cattle from the community have succumbed to the disease this year alone, sparking widespread concern among farmers in the area,” he added.