GWANDA Villagers in the area fear they may lose their livestock after 30 cattle died from the liver fluke parasite, which has infected Garanyemba dam.Kraal head at Garanyemba village Jeffrey Dube said the livelihood of villagers was at stake if their livestock continued to dwindle.
Matabeleland South veterinary officer Dr Msongelwa Mangena confirmed receiving reports of animals dying of liver fluke and has advised villagers to buy chemicals to treat the animals.
Liver fluke is an internal parasite that attacks animal liver. It is usually transmitted by a host, especially snails, that are found in stagnant water. In the case of the Gwanda villagers, we have advised them to dose their animals using clozantels, which are the most effective chemicals for treating flukes, he said.
Mangena said symptoms of liver fluke included severe diarrhoea, reduced fertility and milk yields, liver failure and eventually death.
He said young stock tended to be more susceptible to fluke.
The veterinary officer said the most effective way of preventing the spread was for farmers to make sure their animals did not drink stagnant water, but should use canals.
Post published in: Economy