Musa Makina
THE Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has ramped up its surveillance efforts to manage the spread of livestock diseases during the ongoing rainy season. As part of its strategy to protect animals, the department is enhancing its diagnostic and monitoring services across the country.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Pious Makaya, warned that the 2024/2025 agricultural season will likely see an increase in animal diseases, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.
He identified a range of expected health threats, including internal and external parasite infestations, as well as a rise in footborne, insect-borne, and tick-borne diseases.
“In response to these risks, DVS is intensifying laboratory-based surveillance of animal diseases across the nation,” Makaya stated. “We have decentralized diagnostic processes to key provinces such as Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and Midlands to ensure that farmers have greater access to disease monitoring resources.”
He explained that this decentralization is crucial, especially during the rainy season when various diseases surge, and that plans are underway to extend diagnostic services to all districts, resources permitting. Additionally, the department is working to expand its extension and advisory services to better assist farmers.
Makaya also issued a reminder to farmers to take proactive measures to protect their livestock from both internal and external infestations. He stressed the importance of avoiding deworming animals in poor condition, a consequence of ongoing drought conditions.
This announcement comes on the heels of the government’s decision to more aggressively enforce the Cattle Cleansing Regulations Act of 1993, which mandates mandatory dipping of cattle. The law imposes penalties on farmers who fail to comply with these sanitation requirements.
Tick-borne diseases such as Theileriosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and heartwater remain significant contributors to livestock mortality in the country, with over 65% of cattle deaths attributed to these diseases.
