LIVESTOCK experts have urged farmers to be vigilant in protecting their cattle from deadly diseases such as lumpy skin and theileriosis diseases, which are affecting farmers in Bubi and other parts of the Matabeleland region.
Communal farmers in Bubi are losing many cattle to the two diseases, indicating that most of them are unaware of how to protect their livestock.
The outbreaks of lumpy skin and theileriosis diseases have raised concern among livestock specialists and veterinary officials, who warn that the situation is being worsened by poor disease awareness, inadequate tick control measures and uncontrolled movement of cattle from affected areas. Experts say prevention — particularly regular dipping and movement control — remains the most effective ways to reduce losses.
Speaking during a virtual discussion organised by the Bubi Community Parliament last week, livestock specialist Benzis Khumalo from Esingeni in Nkayi said January disease also known as theileriosis, and lumpy skin disease were major concerns for many farmers.
He added it was wiser for farmers to prevent their cattle from infection rather treating them when they are already sick.
“We must know that lumpy skin disease is caused by a capripoxvirus. What we must understand is that all diseases originating from viruses have no treatment, although livestock can sometimes be treated; however, the treatment does not cure the disease itself,” Khumalo said.
Keep Reading
- Byo-Nkayi Road funds diverted: Tshabangu
- Govt does not respect citizens’ budget input: MP
- Bubi farmer calls for mindset shift to transform rural agric
“Lumpy skin disease is characterised by lumps on the body of the animal and usually starts around February. The livestock may develop high temperature of about 40 to 41 degrees Celsius, fever, weakness, weight loss and loss of appetite. Affected cattle may also stop feeding properly over time.”
He said infected cattle might also develop swelling on the udder and neck.
“Prevention of such diseases requires significant effort. You cannot just vaccinate and think it is enough. We need to use multi-dip chemicals that kill ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects. Some single-dip chemicals do not cover all these aspects,” Khumalo said.
He said it was important for farmers to use oil-based dip chemicals so that they were not easily washed away by rain, adding that they were also repellent to insects.
Another livestock specialist, Mthandazo Moyo from Bubi ward 7, urged farmers to be alert to signs of lumpy skin disease, warning that the viral disease continues to threaten cattle production and rural livelihoods.
Moyo said the disease affected cattle but did not infect humans.
“It is transmitted mainly by biting insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies. LSD is not zoonotic — it does not infect humans,” Moyo said.
According to Moyo, infected cattle usually show symptoms within four to 14 days of infection.
“The severity depends on the animal’s immunity and breed. European breeds such as holstein are more severely affected than indigenous breeds,” he said.
Moyo warned that severe infections can lead to reduced milk production, weight loss, infertility and abortion in pregnant cows.
“In severe cases, the skin becomes necrotic and secondary bacterial infections set in, causing foul-smelling wounds,” he said.
He added that mild cases might resolve within two to three weeks, while severe infections could result in high calf mortality and permanent skin damage that diminishes hide value.
Moyo said diagnosis was based on clinical signs and laboratory confirmation through PCR testing or virus isolation.
“It can be confused with dermatophilosis, demodicosis or insect bites, but widespread firm nodules and fever are characteristic,” he said.
Moyo stressed that there is no specific cure for the disease.
The warning comes as Zimbabwe intensifies livestock disease surveillance and vaccination programmes in several provinces to protect the cattle industry and rural economies.
Nkayi Veterinary Services officer Khulekani Mpofu warned that farmers should avoid moving cattle from infected areas, as it increases the risk of spreading disease.
“Farmers must prevent the spread of January disease through regular dipping using effective acaricides and strict movement control. Cattle should not be moved from infected areas,”Mpofu said.
The veterinary officer said awareness campaigns were being conducted at dip tanks in all districts to sensitise farmers about the diseases.