Farmers Urged to Protect Livestock During Rainy Season
Written by Skyz Metro FM on January 24, 2025
By Kenneth K Nyika | 24 January 2025
The Agricultural Marketing Authority has called on cattle farmers to prioritize livestock health as the rainy season progresses, stressing the importance of regular dipping and inspections to prevent losses.
Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, Shanel Banda, a Veterinary Agronomist for Matabeleland, highlighted the heightened risk of diseases during this period and emphasized the need for vigilance.
“Many of these diseases, like January Disease (Theileriosis), Lumpy Skin, Botulism, and Blackleg, come from ticks. These ticks thrive in the grass as it starts to turn green after the rains. There are different types of ticks, but the brown ear tick is particularly concerning as it’s the main carrier of January Disease. These diseases pose a significant threat to our livestock during the rainy season,” said Banda.
Banda advised farmers to adopt proper dipping and dosing programs while administering long-acting antibiotics like limoxine, hitet, and terramycin to combat infections.
“During the rainy season, we strongly advise farmers to dip their cattle with powerful acaricides. We recommend using those marked with a purple or red triangle, as they are generally more effective than green triangle ones. These include products like Contratick, Tickguard, and Cypermethrine.
However, it’s crucial to rotate dipping chemicals to prevent tick resistance. Avoid using the same type repeatedly. To ensure optimal protection, we urge farmers to dip their cattle at least twice a week during the rainy season. Furthermore, we strongly encourage farmers to vaccinate their cattle against common diseases,” she added.
Farmers who implement these strategies can safeguard their herds and sustain productivity during the season.