{"id":17003,"date":"2025-01-08T06:23:22","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T06:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/lands\/?page_id=17003"},"modified":"2025-01-08T06:23:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T06:23:22","slug":"animal-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.agric.gov.zw\/wordpress\/?page_id=17003","title":{"rendered":"Livestock Recovery and Resilience in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Government Unveils Plans for Livestock Recovery and Resilience in 2025<\/h3>\n\n

The Chief Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mr. Leonard Munamati, shared the Ministry's strategies to enhance livestock production in the year 2025 and beyond. He stated that following the harsh impact of the El Ni\u00f1o-induced drought, which primarily affected the southern regions, the government implemented a range of measures that successfully protected the national herd, 5.7 million cattle. Remarkably, only 13,269 losses were recorded, showcasing the effectiveness of these measures.<\/p>\n

\nMoving forward, Chief Director Munamati emphasized that the focus will be on developing drought- tolerant livestock breeds through climate smart breeding strategies to build resilience against dry conditions. He added that initiatives such as continued borehole drilling and establishment of drought mitigation centres will strengthen resilience in livestock production. He stressed that government will also promote household feed and fodder banks and foster public-private partnerships to boost investments in the sector. Capacity-building initiatives will equip farmers with skills to improve production and care for their livestock.\nThis multifaceted approach underscores the Ministry's commitment to ensuring sustainable livestock growth.<\/p>\n\n\n

Government Unveils Measures to Manage Livestock Diseases Amid Rainy Season<\/h4>\n\n\n\nGovernment Unveils Measures to Manage Livestock Diseases Amid Rainy Season\nDr. Pious Makaya, Chief Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), outlined crucial measures for farmers to manage livestock effectively during the 2024\/2025 rainy season, as animal diseases are generally expected to rise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

DISEASES RISKS\n \n<\/h4>

\n \n Farmers should anticipate a general surge in:\n

  • 1. Internal and external parasite infestations<\/li>\n
  • 2. Footborne diseases<\/li>\n
  • 3. Soil-borne like: <\/li>\n
  • Anthrax<\/li> \n
  • Blackleg <\/li>\n
  • Gall sickness <\/li>\n
  • January disease<\/li>\n
  • Heartwater<\/li>\n
  • Redwater<\/li> \n <\/p>\n \n \n

    KEY INTERVENTIONS<\/h4>\n \n

    1. Enhanced Disease Surveillance<\/h4> \n

    Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS)has decentralized diagnostic laboratories to provincial levels to improve disease monitoring. Plans are underway to extend these services to districts.<\/P>\n \n

    2. Extension and Advisory Services<\/h4> \n

    Farmers are advised to deworm their animals, but avoid dosing cattle in poor condition due to drought effects.\nVeterinary public health operations, including inspection and certification of abattoirs and milk plants, will be intensified to curb footborne diseases.<\/p>\n \n \n

    3. Vaccination and Pest Control<\/h4> \n

    Farmers are encouraged to vaccinate against blackleg, lumpy skin disease, and other tickborne diseases.\nThe Tsetse Department will enhance operations in infested areas.\nWeekly dipping of cattle, following standard procedures, is vital.<\/p>\n\n\n

    4. Complementary Strategies<\/h4> \n

    In case of disease outbreaks despite dipping, farmers should consult laboratories for confirmation and arrange vaccinations.\n <\/p>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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