TATENDA CHIKARA IN CHIVI
At least 800 cattle have died of January disease in Chivi district in Masvingo Province this year, prompting the Department of Veterinary Services to intensify dipping frequencies.
“Cattle are now dipping after five days as well. We have increased distribution of tick grease,” Chivi Veterinary Extension supervisor, Mark Makombe told Business Times this week.
He added: “The whole district of Chivi has been affected. The cattle that have died of January disease are estimated at 800 to 1000 cattle.”
A Virira villager under chief Maregere who requested anonymity said his whole kraal was wiped out by January disease and said he was facing a huge task ahead of this years’ farming season.
“I am going to suffer because all my cattle died of the tick borne disease. I don’t know if I’m going to have any harvest,” the villager said.
The Provincial Veterinary Officer for Masvingo Province, Kudakwashe John Makwangudze said they used local leadership, police to encourage people to take their cattle to the dip tank.
“We have roped in local leadership and police to encourage villagers to take their cattle to the dip tank.
“For those who abscond taking their cattle to the dip tank, they have been prosecuted and made to pay a fine of US$20, that would make others know it’s illegal not to take their cattle for dipping,” Makwangudze said.
He added: “As a measure to control movement of infected cattle we mounted roadblocks together with police so that infected cattle cannot mix with others.”
The districts that have been hit by January disease in Masvingo Province are Chivi, Bikita, Mwenezi, Gutu, Zaka and Chiredzi.
