HARARE - The Department of Veterinary Services has urged farmers to vaccinate their livestock before the end of the summer to avoid unwarranted losses.Matabeleland North provincial Veterinary Epidemiologist, Dr Martin Sibanda, said despite the erratic rains that have led to poor pastures and inadequate water supply, most animals are in relatively good condition.
“Farmers need to vaccinate their cattle between now and the end of March. It is unfortunate, however, that this season the rains have not been sufficient. In saying that, most of the animals are in a relatively good condition and can build up immunity while those that are not in a good condition should be de-wormed.
“This is the period when farmers should vaccinate their cattle because if they do so later on the animals will be exposed to risks. For instance, some cattle in Lupane are showing signs of lumpy skin. If they had been vaccinated around this period last year they wouldnt have this problem,” Dr Sibanda said.
He said farmers should vaccinate their cattle against blackleg, botulisium, lumpy skin, anthrax as well as tick-borne diseases.
Post published in: Economy