Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s national cattle herd has expanded to 5,741,399, reflecting an increase of nearly 52,000 compared to 2023. The Government attributes this growth to improved disease management, particularly efforts to combat January Disease, and strengthened veterinary and extension services.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the rise in the cattle population demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing interventions to reduce livestock mortality.
“The national herd continues to grow due to improved veterinary services and the Government’s aggressive efforts to combat January Disease. The increased dipping services, disease surveillance, and farmer education have significantly reduced cattle deaths,” Mangwana said.

January Disease, a tick-borne infection, has been one of the leading causes of cattle losses in Zimbabwe, particularly among communal farmers who rely on livestock for income and draught power. However, intensified Government efforts, including mass dipping programs, vaccination campaigns, and farmer awareness initiatives, have contributed to the improved health of the national herd.
“We urge farmers to continue working closely with veterinary services and follow best practices to sustain the growth of our national herd,” Mangwana added.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has expanded veterinary extension services to ensure farmers receive timely information and support. Officials report that increased availability of dipping chemicals, farmer training on disease prevention, and improved cattle nutrition programs have further strengthened livestock survival rates.

Mangwana noted that veterinary officers have been deployed across the country to monitor disease outbreaks and enforce strict tick control measures.
“This has significantly reduced January Disease-related deaths, which had previously threatened the viability of small-scale livestock farming,” he said.

Beyond disease control, livestock experts attribute the national herd’s growth to better breeding programs, improved pasture management, and the adoption of modern livestock rearing techniques.

With Zimbabwe’s cattle population steadily increasing, authorities expect the livestock sector to contribute more to the national agricultural economy. The beef industry plays a key role in both domestic and export markets, and a stronger national herd is seen as a step toward expanding beef production and value addition.

The Government has urged farmers to remain vigilant in disease prevention and continue utilizing available veterinary and extension services to sustain the positive trend in cattle population growth.