Source: Vaccines for livestock deployed ahead of rainy season – herald
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is presently deploying livestock vaccines to identified hotspots as part of a comprehensive integrated tick and tick-borne disease programme to safeguard the national herd, especially as the rainy season begins.
DVS chief director Dr Pious Makaya said 100 000 cattle are being vaccinated against the January disease (theileriosis), while another 40 000 animals in high-risk areas are receiving vaccines for babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
“The vaccines for these tick-borne illnesses are being produced locally, ensuring continuous supply and curbing potential disease surges,” he said.
To strengthen preparedness for the 2025/2026 rainy season, the Government has rolled out the Livestock Production and Health Summer Plan, whose key focus areas include intensified control of tick-borne diseases through weekly dipping and targeted vaccinations, proactive vaccination campaigns for diseases such as anthrax, improved livestock nutrition, water access and breeding programmes.
With rising temperatures expected to fuel tick activity, the DVS is strictly enforcing mandatory weekly dipping.
The national dipping schedule will shift from a fortnightly to a weekly programme to better suppress tick populations during wetter conditions.
Dr Makaya urged full farmer participation in the programme.
“Farmers are expected to present their cattle for dipping on schedule and contribute to the dipping levy to maintain a steady supply of acaricide. Private livestock owners are also urged to prepare their own dipping facilities and commit to a weekly dipping schedule.”
This year, 317 dip tanks were rehabilitated through partnerships with farmers.
Plans are underway to rehabilitate all 4 211 existing dip tanks and construct new ones in areas with high livestock populations.
To address recurring water shortages at dip tanks, the Government is also planning to drill 500 solar-powered boreholes over the next five years.
In response to public health risks associated with consuming meat from deceased animals, 100 000 cattle were vaccinated against anthrax in known hotspots in 2025.
Farmers are encouraged to independently vaccinate their livestock against blackleg, botulism and anthrax, with these vaccines available at veterinary retail outlets countrywide.
Public health messaging has been incorporated into the rainy season preparedness plan, warning communities against consuming meat from unlicensed sources or animals that die naturally.
The public is also encouraged to report all animal deaths to the nearest veterinary office to curb the spread of diseases, especially anthrax.
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