The Government has fully restored Zimbabwe’s national livestock dipping programme, with acaricides now distributed across all provinces, reinforcing efforts to curb tick borne diseases and protect livestock productivity during the peak rainy season.
The nationwide availability of acaricides marks a major step in stabilising the livestock sector, which remains a critical pillar of rural livelihoods and agricultural output. Tick borne diseases such as theileriosis, heartwater, anaplasmosis and babesiosis traditionally surge during wet months when tick populations multiply rapidly, often resulting in significant cattle losses if not controlled.
Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Pious Makaya, confirmed that dipping remains the most effective frontline intervention in tick management. He said the restoration of supplies ensures that farmers across all provinces can now adhere to scheduled dipping routines without disruption.
“Dipping is the cornerstone of tick control, especially during the rainy season when tick populations explode. With acaricides now reaching every province, farmers can protect their herds more effectively than ever before,” Dr. Makaya said.
The development strengthens the country’s Integrated Tick and Tick Borne Disease Control Programme, which combines vector control through dipping with targeted vaccination. Veterinary authorities report that when vaccination is applied promptly and consistently, livestock mortalities linked to tick borne infections can be reduced by as much as 80 percent.
Analytically, the restoration of the dipping programme carries broader economic implications beyond animal health. Livestock production underpins household income, draught power, dairy supply and beef exports. Disruptions caused by tick borne diseases often cascade into reduced productivity, increased veterinary costs and weakened rural economic resilience. Ensuring steady acaricide supply therefore contributes directly to agricultural stability and food security.
Authorities are urging farmers to adhere strictly to dipping schedules, ensure correct dip wash mixing ratios and prioritise safety procedures during application. Veterinary Extension Services have intensified awareness campaigns, particularly in high rainfall areas where disease incidence typically escalates.
Beyond tick borne infections, veterinary authorities continue surveillance and containment efforts against major transboundary and zoonotic diseases, including foot and mouth disease, Newcastle disease and rabies. Vaccination campaigns remain ongoing, with government indicating plans to expand local vaccine production capacity in order to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen biosecurity preparedness.
The restoration of nationwide dipping signals renewed institutional coordination within Zimbabwe’s livestock health system. As the rainy season progresses, sustained compliance by farmers and continued supply chain efficiency will be critical in consolidating gains and reducing preventable livestock losses across the country.
