NEW: FAO, USAID unveil US$2,7 million to fight livestock diseases

Online Reporter

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have unveiled US$2,7 million fund to help the Government fight livestock diseases.

Under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the national herd is expected to grow to eight million cattle by next year.

However, January disease (Theileriosis) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have for long been the major drawbacks, accounting for two-thirds of cattle mortalities in Zimbabwe.

For the past five years, at least 500 000 cattle succumbed to tick-borne diseases countrywide.

This prompted the Government to employ a cocktail of measures, including engaging private players and international organisations to sustainably grow and protect the national herd.

Officially launching the emergency project, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said: “The project dovetails well with the objectives and goals of the economic blueprint, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), and is in keeping with the livestock growth plan, which was crafted to address the challenges bedevilling the livestock subsector.

“As a ministry, however, we acknowledge the need for a high level of investment required to re-establish January disease and foot-and-mouth disease-free zone.”

Speaking during the unveiling of the fund, FAO head of resilience Mr Alexander Carr said the facility will support the Government’s efforts in the country’s 11 districts.

“USAID has made available a total of US$2,2 million fund, which will run until December 2024.

“This will be complemented by the FAO Technical Cooperation project to the tune of US$500 000. This will be used across eight districts prone to Theileriosis and FMD,” said Carr.

FAO subregional coordinator for Southern Africa and representative in Zimbabwe Dr Patrice Talla Takoukam said the project is a manifestation of great cooperation.

“Today is an important day for the livestock sector in Zimbabwe as we officially launch this project in support of livestock development. With good collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe and support from USAID, FAO is positioned to contribute to the improvement of animal health to make livestock more productive and sustainable while achieving optimal health for all,” said Patrice Talla Takoukam.

The project will see the rehabilitation of dip tanks and the establishment of dams that will supply dip tank water, as well as enhancing the capacity for disease surveillance, prevention, early warning and rapid response in the face of outbreaks by rolling out real-time disease reporting applications to key veterinary personnel and training personnel on sampling for laboratory diagnosis.

The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Department Veterinary Services, will lead in raising community awareness on good livestock management and training extension services on disease recognition, prevention and control.