By Christopher Makaza

Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) has partnered Coopers Zimbabwe (Pvt) to conscientise farmers on how best to prevent the disease which has claimed more than 70 000 cattle across the country, The Harare Post has learnt.

The disease which is caused by a brown ear-tick that usually thrives during the rainy season is indiscriminate, affecting communal and A1 farmers.

Speaking to Harare Post, ZFU Executive Director, Mr Paul Zacharia revealed that the awareness campaigns will commence next week urging farmers to complement government efforts in the fight against the deadly disease through making initiatives to purchase their own dipping chemicals and not wait for hand-outs from the government which in most cases take time to be availed.

“ZFU has entered into a partnership with Coopers Zimbabwe Pvt which is an animal health company to carry out awareness campaigns country wide starting with the most affected areas which include Chegutu, Chirumhanzu and Masvingo districts. We will be imparting knowledge on how farmers can raise needed chemicals and how best to apply them on their cattle.

“Most farmers lost an average of seven cattle each yet it was avoidable in most instances. They could have sold one beast, buy chemicals and save the rest rather than watching all their herd perish, waiting for the government to avail the chemicals,” he said.

Mr Zacharia urged farmers to follow proper dipping principles in order to avoid further cattle loses.

Government’s drive to replenish the national cattle herd as part of an elaborate effort to boost both the dairy and beef industry is being significantly pushed back by rising incidence of the January Disease.

Ordinarily, while dipping is considered effective in fighting the scourge, foreign currency shortages is making it increasingly difficult to import dipping chemicals. Local industry has not yet taken the opportunity to venture into animal disease vaccine production, and most animal vaccines are imported.