Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe

31/03/2026

Its happening ….

31/03/2026

Africa’s dairy future is in motion 🐄🌍

The IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2026 has officially kicked off in Victoria Falls, bringing together policymakers, farmers, investors, and researchers from across the continent and beyond.

Under the theme “Driving Dairy Competitiveness and Sustainability in Africa and Beyond,” the summit is sparking powerful conversations on resilient production, value addition, and stronger markets—key to food security, rural incomes, and sustainable growth.

31/03/2026

“Protecting Livestock, Saving Lives: National Anthrax Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum”

The Government through the Directorate of Veterinary services continues to scale up nationwide efforts to safeguard livestock and public health through its annual anthrax vaccination programme, which targets 1 million cattle every year.

📍 This week’s progress:
A total of 2,045 cattle were successfully vaccinated against anthrax at Dip Tanks 1, 2, 4, and 5 in Sanyati, Mashonaland West province under this Government-sponsored initiative.

Why Anthrax Vaccination Matters

Anthrax is a highly dangerous and often fatal disease that affects both animals and humans. Vaccination is the most effective and reliable way to:
✔️ Protect your livestock from sudden death
✔️ Safeguard your livelihood
✔️ Prevent transmission to humans

⚠️ A Critical Warning to Communities

DO NOT consume meat from animals that have died suddenly or are suspected to have anthrax.
Consuming infected meat can lead to serious illness or death in humans.

🚫 Avoid slaughtering sick animals
🚫 Do not handle carcasses without veterinary guidance
🚫 Report all sudden animal deaths immediately to the nearest vet office

Together, We Can Prevent Anthrax

Farmers are strongly encouraged to:
✅ Take their cattle for vaccination at designated dip tanks
✅ Work closely with veterinary extension officers
✅ Remain vigilant and report any unusual livestock deaths

What do you think are clinical signs associated with anthrax disease ?

29/03/2026

“Unlocking Dairy Potential: Regional Conference Comes to Victoria Falls 31st March 2 April 2026

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Co-hosted by the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust (ZDIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, this three-day gathering blends high-level panels, keynotes, exhibitions, and networking designed for practical impact and real-world results.

This year s’ theme is : Driving Dairy Competitiveness and Sustainability in Africa and Beyond

Join the IDF Regional Dairy Conference Africa, 31 March–2 April 2026 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Explore sustainable dairy production, climate resilience, animal health, market access, and financing. Network with industry leaders through panels, keynotes, and exhibitions under the theme “Drivin...

29/03/2026

🐄 Tick-Borne Diseases: Zimbabwe’s Silent Livestock Killer — Are We Doing Enough? 🇿🇼

Tick-borne diseases remain the biggest threat to animal health in Zimbabwe, accounting for nearly 70% of livestock disease cases, particularly during the rainy season when tick populations surge.

Diseases such as January disease, heartwater, and anaplasmosis continue to wipe out herds, threatening farmer livelihoods, national food security, and the growth of our livestock sector.

👉 The truth is simple: effective tick control is not optional — it is essential.

But here’s the critical question:
What is the MOST effective method of tick control?
Let’s break it down:

🔹 A. Plunge Dip– The gold standard for communal areas. Ensures full-body coverage and effective tick kill when done regularly.
🔹 B. Spray Race – Efficient for larger, organized herds with good infrastructure.
🔹 C. Knapsack Sprayer – Useful for small-scale farmers, but requires diligence and proper technique.
🔹 D. Pour-On Acaricide – Convenient, but often costly and may not provide full coverage if misapplied.
🔹 E. Tick Grease Applications – Targets specific areas, but not effective for heavy infestations.
🔹 F. Drugs – Important for treatment, NOT prevention.
🔹 G. Do Nothing – Unfortunately, the fastest way to lose your herd.

💡 The bottom line:
No single method fits all situations — but consistent, community-wide dipping (Plunge Dip or Spray Race) remains the most effective and sustainable strategy for controlling ticks at scale.

📢 Your participation matters!
Tick control only works when everyone participates consistently. Skipping dipping sessions puts not only your cattle at risk, but your neighbor’s as well.

🗳️ Cast your vote: Which method do YOU think is most effective?

Drop your answer below 👇

# Food SecurityEverywhereEveryday

29/03/2026

“Transforming Livestock Through Modernisation: The Future is Now”

27/03/2026

Theseus Shambare in SHAMVA ZIMBABWE and China have deepened their agricultural cooperation, with a renewed focus on livestock development through the rehabilitation of dip tanks, Juncao technology and farmer training…

27/03/2026

Theseus Shambare Herald Correspondent ZIMBABWE and Botswana will next month launch a coordinated bilateral vaccination campaign along their shared border to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD),…

27/03/2026

📸 THIS WEEK IN PICTURES

The Directorate of Veterinary Services continues to intensify efforts to make animal health a national priority, safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening food security, and protecting public health across Zimbabwe.

From routine livestock inspections and disease surveillance to vaccination campaigns and farmer outreach programmes, our dedicated teams remain on the ground delivering critical services to communities. These efforts are central to preventing and controlling transboundary and zoonotic diseases, while enhancing productivity within the livestock sector.

This week highlights our ongoing commitment to:
• Strengthening disease surveillance and rapid response systems
• Expanding vaccination and dipping programmes
• Supporting farmers through extension services and awareness campaigns
• Enhancing biosecurity at key points, including border posts

Together, we are building a resilient, healthy livestock sector for the nation.