A veterinary services supervisor in Nkayi has warned that the continued spread of lumpy skin and January diseases is devastating communal farmers and threatening household livelihoods.
Nkayi South Veterinary Services supervisor Ndodana Ndebele said many small-scale farmers were struggling to contain the diseases due to limited veterinary support, high treatment costs, and inadequate access to vaccines.
“Cattle are the backbone of rural livelihoods… but these diseases are wiping out herds and pushing many villagers deeper into poverty,” Ndebele said.
He explained that lumpy skin disease causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and painful skin nodules, adding, “There is no specific cure. Farmers should vaccinate healthy animals every year, isolate infected cattle, and ensure regular dipping.”
He warned against dangerous home remedies such as alcohol, vinegar, or herbs, urging farmers to seek proper veterinary advice.
On January disease (Theileriosis), Ndebele described it as one of the deadliest livestock diseases, transmitted by brown ear ticks.
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He noted that treatment drugs like Buparvaquone are too expensive for ordinary farmers.
He called on the government to strengthen veterinary departments and subsidise vaccines as well as drugs.
Matobo farmer Sam Zhanda Ndlovu urged farmers to buy the lumpy skin disease vaccine.
“Do not listen to people who say they block. Just buy the vaccine… Lumpy skin wiped out a lot of cattle and left some kraals empty,” he said.
Ndlovu also blamed lax boundary control for the spread of diseases and urged farmers to dip their cattle and follow veterinary advice.