The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
THEILERIOSIS, also known as January Disease, has killed about 2 173 cattle worth around US$1 million in Manicaland Province since January, with Mutare District becoming the latest epicentre of the tick-borne disease, it can be revealed.
The losses could even be bigger as most cattle deaths in the province were under-reported.
The available statistics were the ones reported to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) between January 6 and September 29, 2021.
The Manica Post understands that January disease, a tick-borne disease caused by irregular dipping, has turned out to be the biggest problem in communal areas across the province; wreaking havoc even outside the usual peak rainy season.
Communal areas in the province account for 632 804 cattle, of which the reported 2 173 deaths translate to 0.34 percent.
This herd is served by 542 communal dip tanks of various carrying capacities.
The disease is making communal farmers accrue huge losses as they either watch helplessly as their cattle die or panic at the prospect of having the entire herd wiped by the disease and sell the remaining beasts for a song.
Some of the beasts are being sold for as little as US$50.
The meat is finding its way into butcheries in Mutare.
Severe shortages of dipping chemicals over the past years have resulted in serious disruptions to the communal dipping programme, with cattle going for more than two months without dipping.
This has consequently increased the prevalence of tick-borne diseases.
The sad development has prompted swift Government intervention to resuscitate communal dipping, avail chemicals and ensure that cattle are dipped judiciously to prevent the disease.
Information gleaned from the DVS shows that cattle were dying in numbers in Mutare District where the disease started from the western belt of Odzi, Claire, Chiwere and Chimombe, probably after being contracted from the neighbouring Makoni District.
From the western part of the district, the disease spread to the Premier area of Mutasa District and further inwards. It then jumped to the eastern belt of Mutare in Burma Valley, Chigodora, Gombakomba and Zimunya areas.
Fears abound that the disease might soon spread to Rowa, Bezely Bridge and Wengezi if not contained.
Four districts — Makoni, Mutare, Buhera and Mutasa — have the disease.
The highest number of deaths were recorded between January and March when there was high tick population in pastures.
Weekly dipping was introduced in the affected districts, bringing the disease under control but there was a slight rise from June that coincided with cases in the eastern part of Mutare District.
Provincial Veterinary Officer, Dr Charles Guri, confirmed the latest outbreak in Mutare District, and said they expected the disease to be under control after introducing consistent weekly dipping.
“The disease has been reported in Burma Valley, Chigodora, Gombakomba and other parts on the eastern part of the district where we have introduced weekly dipping to combat its spread.
“The rest of the province will dip for 16 weeks between November and end of February 2022.
“From March to October 2022, which translate to 32 weeks, the cattle will be dipped once fortnightly,” said Dr Guri.
He said Government has already distributed enough dipping chemical in Manicaland that will cover a period stretching to October 2022.
“We have 542 communal dip tanks, which will dip weekly since the chemicals are already available in the required quantities. We have enough stocks of chemicals equivalent to the number of dip tanks. We are, therefore, calling upon all farmers to bring all their cattle for dipping according to the schedule.
“They should never miss any of the sessions. Farmers must also pay the $170 dipping fee per head so that we sustain the dipping activities. If all cattle are presented judiciously, we will definitely conquer the disease to satisfactory endemic levels,” said Dr Guri.
According to the Animal Health Act, it is the responsibility of Government, through the DVS, to ensure that dipping chemicals are available at all communal dip tanks inline with the dipping schedule.
According to this law, farmers have the responsibility to produce their cattle for dipping, failure of which attracts prosecution.
“However, we urge farmers to be driven by the desire to combat the disease without being force-marched by the authorities. We are also appealing to traditional leaders to ensure that their subjects avail all their cattle because dipping is for both personal and public good so as to safeguard animal health,” said Dr Guri.
During this period, no cattle may be moved or allowed to stray into or from the affected parts of Mutare District as a way of mitigating the spread of the ticks, disease and deaths.
Reports on any suspicion, sick or dead cattle must be made immediately and ensure all cattle are dipped or inspected by DVS.
Supplementary dipping as well as hand dress on ears, under tails, tail brush, around the udder, groan and between hooves is encouraged.
Early treatment of sick cattle and prophlylaxis of the remaining herd is also encouraged.
Dr Guri said Government was also distributing tick grease to farmers under the Presidential Livestock Inputs.
