Farmers are sleeping on a lifetime vaccine for a deadly cattle disease. Veterinary officials in Matabeleland South province report a worrying low uptake of the Bolvac vaccine, which provides permanent immunity against January Disease, a serious tick-borne illness. Provincial veterinary director Dr Enat Mdlongwa stated they have around eight thousand unused doses despite the region being a historical hotspot. Districts like Umzingwane and Insiza remain high-risk areas for the disease, which causes major economic losses in this cattle-rearing province.
While cattle deaths have dropped significantly compared to recent years due to better dipping compliance, officials emphasize vaccination offers superior, lifelong protection. The current rainy season increases tick activity, raising the threat of several diseases, including January Disease, redwater, and gall sickness. Farmers in hotspots are urged to follow a strict five-five-four-day dipping schedule, while others must dip weekly until April.
Authorities warn that communal compliance is essential, as even one untreated animal can undermine efforts for an entire area. A single tick can lay thousands of eggs, rapidly infesting a herd. The government has worked to improve access by building and rehabilitating dip tanks and relaxing previous regulations on tank capacity. Some communities have even started constructing their own dip facilities.
Dr Mdlongwa called on traditional leaders to enforce dipping rules and reminded farmers to pay their dipping levies to ensure chemical supplies. The Bolvac vaccine, first developed locally in 1989, saw production halt in the late nineties before resuming in 2022 with government support. Its reintroduction was considered a major step in controlling the disease. Officials continue awareness campaigns, stressing that protecting the national cattle herd is vital for food security and local economies.
While cattle deaths have dropped significantly compared to recent years due to better dipping compliance, officials emphasize vaccination offers superior, lifelong protection. The current rainy season increases tick activity, raising the threat of several diseases, including January Disease, redwater, and gall sickness. Farmers in hotspots are urged to follow a strict five-five-four-day dipping schedule, while others must dip weekly until April.
Authorities warn that communal compliance is essential, as even one untreated animal can undermine efforts for an entire area. A single tick can lay thousands of eggs, rapidly infesting a herd. The government has worked to improve access by building and rehabilitating dip tanks and relaxing previous regulations on tank capacity. Some communities have even started constructing their own dip facilities.
Dr Mdlongwa called on traditional leaders to enforce dipping rules and reminded farmers to pay their dipping levies to ensure chemical supplies. The Bolvac vaccine, first developed locally in 1989, saw production halt in the late nineties before resuming in 2022 with government support. Its reintroduction was considered a major step in controlling the disease. Officials continue awareness campaigns, stressing that protecting the national cattle herd is vital for food security and local economies.
