BINDURA Widespread veld fires in Mashonaland Central have destroyed grazing land and killed animals.
Director of Veterinary Service Unesu Obatolu said the veld fires had been a major heartbreak for livestock farmers, and highlighted the need to have insurance. She threatened serious penalties for the arsonists who she said were starting fires that led to the loss of grass for the livestock.
Farmers, she said, were also facing the challenge of a string of cattle diseases brought on by drought. She urged farmers to cross-breed their livestock to improve the quality of their cattle.