Melinda Kusemachibi
Farmers in and around Masvingo province have been urged to continue dipping their cattle especially during this rainy season to fend off the possible effects of Theileriosis popularly known as January disease which swept through the province in 2021 which wiped most communal farmers’ kraals.
Masvingo Provincial veterinary officer Dr Kudakwashe Makwangudze said farmers should ensure strict adherences to the set weekly dipping schedules as a way of arresting the spread of the tick-borne disease.
“The disease is there but it is not that serious as compared to that of last year. It takes three to five days for the disease to be seen.
“We are making sure that we provide dipping chemicals across the province and encouraging farmers to take their cattle for dipping,” said Dr Makwangudze.
He also added that there are some farmers who do not take their cattle for dipping which makes it difficult to overcome the disease.
“It takes time to overcome this disease since there are some arrogant farmers who are not taking their cattle for dipping at stipulated times,” added Dr Makwangudze.
Last year Theileriosis wreaked havoc among villagers leaving most farmers with no option than destroying kraals.
Theileriosis is a tick-born disease most prevalent during the rainy season at peak in January where it draws its apt name January disease.
It is a disease that is spread through bites from the brown ear tick and is controllable through frequent dipping or spraying cattle with accaricides.
