Faith Ndou
Masvingo Province has recorded cases of lumpy skin disease in several districts, raising concern among livestock farmers.
Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Director, Dr. Kramner Manyetu confirmed to The Midweek Watch that the disease has been reported in Chiredzi, Mwenezi and Masvingo districts.
“We have recorded cases in Chiredzi, Mwenezi and Masvingo districts. Farmers are being urged to buy and administer the Lumpy Skin vaccine from reputable shops before the disease sets in,” said Dr. Manyetu.
He explained that Lumpy Skin Disease is caused by a virus and has no direct cure. However, farmers are encouraged to seek veterinary assistance and use appropriate antibiotics to manage secondary infections once the disease has occurred.
“The local veterinary extension workers are available to assist farmers,” he added.
Lumpy Skin Disease mainly affects cattle and is commonly spread through mechanical means such as biting flies which are prevalent during the rainy season. The disease can also be transmitted through the use of one needle on more than one animal.
Dr. Manyetu advised farmers to use pour-on dip chemicals to reduce the population of flies and to adopt the practice of using a single needle per animal when administering injections.
Farmers were also urged to nurse affected animals properly, as some may fail to feed or walk due to swollen legs and loss of appetite which can lead to starvation and death if not managed carefully.
