Excessive rains cause for concern for livestock farmers

THE announcement of normal to above normal rainfall during the 2016 /17 season by the Meteorological Services Department brought joy not only to farmers producing food crops but also livestock producers who lost huge numbers of animals to drought.

Fortunate livestock farmers had taken heed of advice to de-stock by selling unproductive animals to raise funds to buy stockfeed for the remaining herd.

Others ignored calls by experts to de-stock and ended up selling their cattle for a song, sometimes at prices as low as $30 per beast. Others watched helplessly while the animals succumbed to drought.

The El Nino induced drought affected livestock to the extent that some farmers who normally carried out land preparations using their cattle as draught power failed to do so as the oxen were in poor condition.

Now that most parts of the country are receiving the heavy rains, there have been significant changes in both pastures and livestock.

Farmers have testified that the condition of their cattle has greatly improved with pastures and water now in abundance.

But the rains have also brought with them challenges to farmers producing livestock.

The Sadc early warning unit advised farmers, supporting agencies and agricultural experts soon after the 2016 /17 rainfall forecast to be prepared for incidences of pests and diseases for both crops and l ivestock.

This was especially relevant in areas where specific pests or diseases tend to occur under conditions of high rainfall.

In those areas where normal to above-normal rainfall was expected, farmers and relevant institutions were advised to intensify pest and disease monitoring and surveillance activities, as well as putting in place mechanisms to control potential outbreaks.

Already some areas have started experiencing challenges brought on by the rains.

The rains wash away the top soil and this may expose livestock, particularly cattle, to diseases.

Towards end of last year, Chiweshe in Mashonaland Central, had an anthrax outbreak at Nzvimbo area and farmers lost 27 animals. The Department of Veterinary Services managed to control the disease and cattle were vaccinated.

Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by bacteria that normally affects animals, especially ruminants.

This time of the year, the country experiences more anthrax outbreaks because of the rains that wash away the top soil and expose spores.

Signs of anthrax include sudden death of livestock, rapid decomposition of the bloated carcasses and tarry blood coming out of all natural openings.

The disease can also affect humans if they come into contact with the blood of an infected animal.

The public is advised to refrain from eating uninspected meat from animals that die from natural causes. Suspected anthrax carcasses should not be opened.

Government has urged farmers to take care of their livestock during the rainy season to reduce pests and diseases.

Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development’s Department of Veterinary Services