Zimbabwe ministry warns cattle farmers of deadly January disease outbreak

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has issued a stern warning to cattle farmers across Zimbabwe following an outbreak of the deadly January disease, also known as theileriosis. The disease, which is caused by a parasite transmitted by ticks, poses a significant threat to the nation's cattle population.

In a statement released by the ministry, farmers were urged to be vigilant and to look out for key symptoms of the disease, which include swollen lymph nodes, particularly behind the ears, watery and cloudy eyes, difficulty breathing, bloody watery dung, and foamy discharge from the nose and mouth.

The ministry emphasized the importance of preventive measures, particularly weekly dipping of cattle. This practice is proven to kill ticks and prevent the spread of the disease. The government further encouraged farmers to promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest veterinary officer for immediate attention.

Theileriosis, a tick-borne disease, is responsible for 60% of cattle deaths in Zimbabwe, with over half a million cattle having succumbed to it since 2016. The loss has resulted in an estimated economic setback of over US$250 million in potential revenue, according to the ministry's estimates.

Farmers are urged to act swiftly to protect their herds, as the timely prevention of tick infestations is crucial to curbing the spread of the disease and minimizing the devastating economic impact.