January Disease Ravages Cattle In Matabeleland North

Villagers in Gadade, Matabeleland North Province, are counting their losses as theileriosis, commonly known as January Disease, continues to kill livestock and threaten the area’s once-thriving cattle industry.

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that causes severe illness in cattle and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and, in many cases, sudden death.

Bulelani Kona, a local farmer, told CITE that a severe shortage of dipping chemicals has allowed the disease to spread unchecked. He said:

“We are losing our cattle every week, and it is painful to watch. At first, we thought it was just an ordinary illness, but soon we realised it was something much worse.

“By the time we found out it was theileriosis, the damage had already been done. We had many cattle before, but now most are gone.

“This disease is still killing, and we feel powerless because we don’t have enough medicines or dipping chemicals to fight it.”

Dalumuzi Gumede, another local farmer, said to CITE that fear and desperation have forced some villagers to sell their cattle at bargain prices. Said Gumede:

“We sold our cattle in a hurry because we were afraid they would all die.

“Some people sold for half the normal price, just to avoid total loss.

“In some cases, the animals collapsed and died on the trucks before reaching buyers.

“Gadade used to be full of cattle, but now you can count the herds on one hand.”

Veterinary practitioner Dr Gwinyai Zhandire has confirmed that theileriosis remains a serious threat across Zimbabwe, especially during the rainy season when tick activity is at its highest.

He said post-mortem examinations of affected cattle often reveal internal bleeding, swollen livers and spleens, and fluid in the lungs, which are the main causes of death.

To prevent the disease, Dr Zhandire stressed the importance of controlling ticks through regular dipping. He said:

“Prevention is based on tick control. Farmers must use effective acaricides and apply them correctly and consistently.

“Dipping should be done at least once a week, and in outbreak areas, every four to five days.

“During the rainy season, dipping frequency should increase to protect cattle even after they are rained on.”

According to Dr Zhandire, early intervention combining Oxytetracycline, Buparvaquone, and supportive care can be lifesaving for infected cattle.