By TellZim Reporter
Masvingo Province has exceeded its target of vaccinating 130,000 cattle against anthrax, with more than 160,000 animals inoculated as government intensifies efforts to protect livestock ahead of the anticipated El Niño-induced drought.
Provincial Veterinary Officer Kremar Manyetu revealed this during the launch of the provincial anthrax vaccination programme at Makurumidze Dip Tank in Zimuto, saying the campaign had focused on both historical anthrax hotspots and newly identified high-risk areas.
“As a province, we have been carrying out anthrax vaccinations targeting what we call anthrax hotspots in preparation for the drought that we are anticipating in the coming year, where we expect anthrax spores to be exposed due to reduced vegetation. Our target was to vaccinate 130,000 cattle across the province in hotspot areas. Government has provided more than enough resources, and we have vaccinated over 160,000 cattle.
“We are targeting dip tanks that recorded anthrax outbreaks even 15 to 20 years ago to ensure animals do not succumb to these soil-borne diseases. We can safely say we have exceeded our target, and we are confident our cattle will be protected in the event of any outbreaks, sparing farmers from significant losses,” said Manyetu.
Manyetu said government was also implementing a large-scale dip tank rehabilitation programme, with 120 dip tanks targeted for rehabilitation before the onset of the rainy season.
“We are undertaking a massive dip tank rehabilitation programme, which is already underway. Masvingo is targeting 120 of the province’s 740 dip tanks. Over the past three years, we have rehabilitated around 140. The programme covers every district, with a target of at least 24 dip tanks per district. We are approaching the 50 percent mark and expect to complete the work before the rainy season, as government has already provided all the required resources,” he said.
He said the province was complementing the programme with borehole drilling and the installation of livestock watering facilities to improve access to water.
“In the course of rehabilitating dip tanks, we are drilling boreholes and installing water troughs to provide adequate water for both dipping and livestock drinking. We aredoing everything necessary to protect our livestock.
“On the nutrition side, we are carrying out extensive hay baling, training farmers on fodder production, feed storage and stover treatment. We are also educating farmers on preventing veld fires to preserve grazing land and increase hay production. The province has received hay-baling equipment, and we are making good progress. We expect to be fully prepared for any eventuality, with government having provided all the necessary support,” said Manyetu.
Nationally, government says more than one million cattle have been vaccinated against anthrax, surpassing the national target.
The anticipated El Niño conditions are expected to heighten the risk of anthrax outbreaks, particularly in drought-prone areas where dry conditions can expose dormant spores in the soil.
Authorities say the vaccination campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s climate resilience and safeguard the country’s livestock sector against the effects of climate change.
