Mutare – The Veterinary Services Department has intensified efforts to curb the
spread of theileriosis in Makoni district, Manicaland, following an outbreak of
the tickborne disease which has claimed hundreds of cattle in the province.
Also known as January disease, theileriosis is transmitted by ticks, and peaks at
the start of the year.
Speaking recently on the sidelines of a provincial launch of the fight against
January disease at Mupudzi Dip tank in Mutare district, chief director in the
Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Josephat Nyika said Government had
declared war against tick borne diseases following an increase in cases across
the country.
In recent years, the country has lost hundreds of thousands of cattle to the
disease, mainly in communal and small-scale farming areas.
“Government has declared war on January disease in efforts to protect the
national herd. The drive came after a declaration made on the 25 th of January
which was later followed by a national launch in February. This is aimed at
curbing the spread of theileriosis and protect farmers from losing their livestock
to tick borne related diseases,” Dr Nyika said.
He said in addition to actual treatment of infected cattle, the department was
also engaged in an intensive community awareness campaign of January disease
across the country.
So far, he said the campaign had reached over 200 000 farmers, and local
traditional leaders everywhere had been roped in to ensure success.
In Manicaland province, cattle dipping regimes in hotspot areas such as Makoni
district had been intensified.
Among other measures taken by government to fight the deadly disease, are dip
tank rehabilitation, production of local vaccines, and free distribution of
medicines and chemicals to farmers in marginal areas.
This year alone, government has to date distributed 1.5 million kilograms of tick
grease to farmers, up from 1.3 million kilograms handed out last year.
“Following these measures, the country has witnessed a 50 percent reduction in
the number of tick borne diseases,” Dr Nyika said.
Manicaland province lost over 300 cattle to theileriosis last year, with Makoni
district being the hardest hit.
In Zimbabwe, the loss of cattle creates huge social-economic problems
particularly in rural areas, where the animals are both a store of value, and
source of draught power.
New Ziana
