Diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by ticks commonly known as tick-borne diseases (TBDs) rank highest on the list of diseases of concern to livestock farmers in both the small holder communal and large scale commercial sectors in Zimbabwe.
Four tick borne diseases, Babesiosis, anaplasmosis, theileriosis and heartwater, remain the major cause of cattle mortalities, accounting for 69% of cattle deaths during the 2020/21 agricultural season. To help reduce cattle deaths and improve livestock productivity Transforming Zimbabwe’s Animal Health and Food Safety Systems for the Future (SAFE) project recently launched Zimbabwe Integrated Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Control Strategy (2022 – 2030).
The SAFE project is lobbying to create conducive policy environment for increased livestock productivity.