ZITF cattle auctions resume after 8 years

The Government has approved the resumption of cattle auctions for direct slaughter in areas previously affected by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), providing a major boost to livestock farmers in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and parts of Mashonaland East.

The decision follows requests from farmers and livestock industry stakeholders seeking the restoration of formal cattle marketing channels after years of restrictions imposed to contain disease outbreaks.

One of the most significant outcomes of the move is the reopening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) cattle sale pens in Bulawayo, which had remained closed for cattle auctions for the past eight years due to FMD-related restrictions.

The Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ministry approved the resumption of sales under strict veterinary supervision aimed at protecting animal health while facilitating livestock trade.

The reopening of the ZITF cattle sales was officially marked on Wednesday by Matabeleland North veterinary director Sithokozile Sibanda.

The development is expected to improve market access for farmers while supporting efforts to revitalise Zimbabwe's livestock sector.

Chief Director of Veterinary Services Pious Makaya said authorities remained committed to balancing livestock marketing opportunities with disease control measures.

"To protect the national herd and prevent the spread of trans-boundary animal diseases, all cattle presented for auction must comply with stringent veterinary requirements, including certification by Government Veterinary Services confirming freedom from notifiable diseases, including FMD," said Dr Makaya.

Under the new guidelines, farmers intending to move cattle to the ZITF or Mt Hampden sale pens must notify the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) at least two weeks before transportation.

Dr Makaya said only cattle from properties certified free of notifiable diseases would be permitted to participate in auctions.

"The farm or property wishing to send cattle to sale pens for direct slaughter should be certified free from notifiable diseases of economic importance, including FMD, by a State veterinarian according to established inspection procedures documented in the Animal Health Act and recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health," he said.

He added that cattle must originate from farms where quarantine restrictions have been lifted and where no new FMD cases have been recorded for at least 28 days following the healing of lesions associated with the disease.

Additional safeguards include veterinary inspections, branding of cattle destined for direct slaughter and monitoring during transportation.

"Cattle are to be inspected, mouthed and branded with an ‘S' brand for direct slaughter and should be tracked by veterinary personnel or police in transit from source until arrival at the sale pens," Dr Makaya said.

Authorities have also ordered the establishment of biosecurity measures such as wheel baths and foot baths at both the ZITF and Mt Hampden sale facilities.

All cattle will undergo further inspection by veterinary personnel before and during offloading to ensure compliance with disease control protocols.

According to the DVS, inspections conducted at the sale pens will be funded by auctioneers, and auctions will initially be held once a month.

Officials warned that sales could be cancelled if disease outbreaks occur in or around the auction centres.

Dr Makaya urged farmers and livestock traders to work closely with veterinary authorities and strictly observe disease prevention regulations.

"Together, we can promote safe livestock marketing while safeguarding our national herd," he said.

Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most significant livestock diseases affecting cattle and pigs, with serious implications for trade and agricultural productivity.

The disease causes painful sores in animals' mouths and on their feet, reducing their ability to feed and lowering productivity. Young calves are particularly vulnerable and may die from infection or malnutrition when affected cows are unable to feed them.

Countries experiencing FMD outbreaks often face restrictions on livestock exports and related agricultural trade.

To combat the disease, Government has intensified vaccination programmes, surveillance activities and awareness campaigns in affected farming communities.

Zimbabwe's livestock sector is estimated to be worth more than US$2 billion and contributes approximately 20 percent of the country's agricultural gross domestic product, making disease control and market access critical to the industry's continued growth.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the reopening of the cattle auctions but emphasised the importance of maintaining strict compliance with veterinary regulations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector.