Factsheet: Managing January Disease to save cattle - ZimFact
Ngoni Mhuruyengwe
November 16, 2023
Zimbabwe has lost over 500,000 cattle to a tick-borne diseasebetter known as ‘January Disease’ (or the scientific name Theileriosis) since 2016 despite efforts by agricultural experts to educate farmers on the importance of dipping and vaccination, according to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
What are the facts about January Disease.
January Disease is caused by a parasite (Theileria Parva) found in the blood which is transmitted in cattle by ticks. Theileriosis is one of several tick-borne diseases found in Zimbabwe.
Although the highest number of cases are recorded in January (hence the name January Disease), the disease is prevalent between December and March when rainfall activity is traditionally high.
The Cattle Cleansing Regulations Act states that dipping cattle is mandatory, failure to do so will result in a fine or arrest.
Food and Agricultural Organisation
Cattle Cleansing Regulations Act
National Stock Feeds
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