TellZim reporter
A veterinary services department officer with the government of Zimbabwe has tackled the marauding cattle disease Therioliosis or January Disease through music as way of helping conscentise farmers on the killer disease.
Masvingo South District Veterinary Extension department District Head Everet Haskes said he decided to compose the song after realizing the damage January Disease had on the national herd.
The song titled ‘Hondo neJanuary Disease’ was recorded on February 13, 2023.
“As a dedicated vet officer in Zimbabwe with farmers at heart, patriotic to his country, I was moved by the high mortality in cattle as a result of tick-borne January Disease which killed hundreds if not thousands of cattle of the national livestock.
“Having realized the menace brought about by the disease, I thought of helping farmers and my country at large by singing the song ‘January Disease’ as a measure to raise awareness to reduce the tick-borne endemic,” said Haskes.
He also said that the song saves the purpose of edutainment to the farmers as they employ ways to protect the national herd.
“The song brings about edutainment as farmers can play it hearing the name of the disease, its signs, and prevention measures as well as treatment wherever they are. As this song resonates with my field of specialty, I felt that all farmers will be eager to listen to it and get genuine help from someone like myself.
“The disease is all over the country and every farmer will draw some kind of help from ‘the master piece from the specialist’,” he added.
Haskes however said he intends to record a video for the song should resources permit while at the same time he said he drew motivation from Provincial Veterinary Director Dr Jairus Machakwa.
He also had a live performance on March 4 at Musingarabwi homestead in Chivi North during the provincial launch on war against January Disease graced by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Chief Director in Vet department Dr Josphate Nyika and Chivi North legislator Mathias Tongofa.
The song talks of the disease’s signs, ways to prevent in dipping cattle, names of drugs to treat the disease and use of tick grease.
