By Ndumiso Tshuma
The Department of Veterinary Services has raised concerns over some farmers’ reluctance to report animal health problems and their preference for self-treatment.
Principal Research Officer Dr Mark Jubenkanda said many farmers treat their livestock independently, leading to significant underreporting of disease cases.
“Underreporting means data on livestock health is incomplete and inaccurate. Veterinary services rely on precise information to track disease prevalence and spread. When farmers opt for self-treatment or use unapproved medications without reporting cases, it limits critical data collection needed to understand emerging health threats,” he said.
The issue was a key topic at a livestock conference held on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exchibition Centre in Bulawayo, where participants discussed ways to build resilience and foster prosperity in the livestock sector.
Jubenkanda highlighted another challenge—farmers avoiding dip tanks, which are essential for livestock health and serve as key points for disease monitoring.
“The importance of dip tanks cannot be overstated. They provide primary access to veterinary services, yet many farmers remain hesitant to use them, creating gaps in disease surveillance and limiting the department’s ability to respond effectively,” he said.
He also pointed to funding shortages as a major hurdle in equipping veterinary services to care for livestock adequately. He stressed the critical role of development partners in supporting the sector.
“Farmers often struggle to care for their animals due to resource constraints, limited knowledge, or lack of access to veterinary services. This is where development partners play an invaluable role,” he said.
Bruce Tavirimirwa, Head of Beef Research at the Matopo Research Institute, urged authorities to prioritise key livestock diseases, particularly tick-borne illnesses such as anaplasmosis and anthrax.
“Tick-borne diseases, anaemia, and anthrax are top concerns for both the government and farming communities. In poultry, the primary focus remains on Newcastle disease. Farmers are urged to report outbreaks promptly,” he said.
Tavirimirwa also noted the impact of climate change on livestock health, citing drought as a major challenge.
“Changing weather patterns have worsened conditions for farmers, making it harder to maintain healthy herds. The persistent threat of January disease, which has affected livestock since 2015, remains unresolved, though a dedicated department is working on it. Farmers should report any challenges to the veterinary department,” he said.
