Zimbabwe’s drought mitigation efforts aim to save cattle amid ongoing losses

ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwean government is intensifying efforts to provide water and feed for livestock in drought-stricken regions as cattle deaths mount due to the prolonged effects of the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought. 

Recent statistics highlight the urgency, with 283 cattle deaths reported in a single week, adding to last year’s devastating toll of over 13,000 cattle lost.  

Chief Director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Leonard Munamati, revealed that although some rangelands are starting to recover due to recent rainfall, the situation remains dire. 

“Recent rains have provided some relief for the remaining livestock, but the situation remains critical,” he said.  

Matabeleland North has been hardest hit, recording 195 deaths last week alone, contributing to the region’s total of 3,398 losses in 2024. Other severely affected regions include Matabeleland South, with 6,988 deaths, and Masvingo, with 1,929 losses.  

Beyond drought, challenges like grazing scarcity and muddy dams caused by initial rains exacerbate livestock stress. 

Adding to the threat, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) like theileriosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis remain prevalent, according to Dr. Jairus Machakwa, Director of Veterinary Services. 

Tick-borne diseases can have long-term effects on cattle, including chronic weight loss, laminitis, and abortion. 

These diseases can also cause significant economic losses for ranchers because of effects such as reduced milk production, loss of livestock and carcass condemnation due to the disease.

Moreover, these tick-borne diseases are incredibly contagious, especially through tick bites and close contact with infected cattle, making their impact in the livestock industry impossible to ignore. 

Farmers are urged to follow strict dipping procedures and adhere to movement restrictions to curb the spread of TBDs.  

Dr Machakwa also underscored the importance of vaccinations against diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease, Anthrax, Blackleg, and Newcastle Disease in poultry. 

While Zimbabwe’s Veterinary Services is producing vaccines for several TBDs and Newcastle Disease, plans are underway to expand production to cover anthrax and blackleg.  

Farmers are further advised to deworm livestock, particularly during the wet season, to mitigate internal parasites such as tapeworms. 

Preventive measures against wet-weather ailments like mastitis, coccidiosis, and foot rot include ensuring livestock have access to clean, dry resting areas.  

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