THE Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry has warned cattle farmers of a deadly outbreak of the January disease.
January disease, also known as theileriosis, is a fatal disease that affects cattle. It is caused by a parasite transmitted by ticks.
“Signs seen in cattle affected by January disease are: swollen lymph nodes, especially the ones behind the ears, watery and cloudy eyes, difficulty in breathing, bloody watery dung and foamy discharge from the nose and mouth,” the ministry said in a statement.
To prevent the spread of the disease, the ministry advised farmers to dip their cattle on a weekly basis, an effective method in killing ticks and preventing transmission.
Government urged farmers, who suspect that their cattle may be infected, to report to the nearest veterinary officer immediately.
In Zimbabwe, tick-borne diseases are responsible for 60% of deaths in cattle herds.
Since 2016, estimates indicate that more than half a million cattle have succumbed to January disease.
This translates to over US$250 million the country lost in potential revenue.
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