Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The government’s livestock dipping programme has received a major boost, with acaricides now fully available nationwide to curb tick-borne diseases this rainy season and safeguard livestock productivity.
The renewed supply strengthens the Integrated Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Control Programme, which prioritises vector control as the cornerstone of disease management. The initiative targets devastating conditions such as theileriosis, heartwater, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which severely limit livestock production and farmer incomes.
In a recent interview, Veterinary Services chief director Pious Makaya told NewsDay that dipping is crucial for controlling ticks, particularly during the rainy season when their populations surge.
“Dipping is the cornerstone of tick control, especially during the rainy season when tick populations explode.
With acaricides now reaching every province, farmers can protect their herds more effectively than ever before,” he said.
Makaya explained that the programme combines consistent dipping with targeted vaccination whenever disease outbreaks occur. This strategy has already saved countless animals and reduced mortalities by up to 80% where vaccination is promptly applied.
He urged farmers to adhere strictly to dipping schedules and ensure dip-wash preparations meet supplier specifications.
The government is also monitoring major transboundary and zoonotic threats, including foot-and-mouth disease, Newcastle disease and rabies. Vaccination campaigns targeting both humans and animals are gaining traction, with over 115 000 cattle already protected by Borovac this season, boosting farmer confidence.
“We are seeing tremendous commitment from farmers. The combination of nationwide dipping and expanding vaccination coverage is already delivering positive results, strengthening livestock health and securing rural livelihoods across Zimbabwe,” Makaya said.
“With acaricides now fully accessible and our integrated approach in place, the outlook for livestock health this season has never been brighter.”
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