MAKONI, MANICALAND — The Department of Veterinary Services has placed several areas in Makoni District under a 28-day quarantine following the detection or suspicion of Theileriosis, commonly known as January Disease, among cattle.
The quarantine order, issued on 20 July 2026 by the Makoni District Veterinary Office in terms of the Animal Health Act, states that approximately 100 cattle in the affected areas are either infected or suspected to be infected with the disease.
The affected areas include:
- Chinyudze: Tank 10 East, Tank 52 West and Tank 53 West;
- Dombo: Changadzo, Gandan zara, Nyatande, St Faith and Temararu;
- Nyazura: Chinhema, Gorubi Springs, Mahere, Mbiriri and Mupambawati;
- Rusape 1: Bvekerwa, Chiduku, Dendeura, Lesapi D, Madingingidzi, Matida and Woodlands;
- Rusape 2: Chironga, Lesbury, Mahande and Recondite.
Under the quarantine order, no cattle may be moved, allowed to stray into, or removed from the affected areas during the 28-day quarantine period.
The veterinary authorities have urged farmers and livestock owners to immediately report any sick or dead cattle, as well as illegal cattle movements, to the Department of Veterinary Services.
Farmers have also been instructed to present all cattle for dipping and inspection whenever called upon by veterinary officials. The department further directed that cattle must be dipped at least once every week, with particular attention paid to the ears, under the tail, tail brush, udder, groin and hooves.
Early treatment of sick cattle and the provision of prophylaxis to cattle considered to be at risk have also been recommended as part of efforts to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further deaths.
The Department of Veterinary Services has further called on farmers and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and help educate communities about the disease and measures to prevent its spread.
The order was authorised by E. Kupahwana, the District Veterinary Officer, and copied to relevant veterinary authorities, Agritex, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders.
Crime Focus urges livestock owners in the affected areas to comply with the quarantine measures and immediately seek veterinary assistance when they notice signs of illness or unexplained deaths among their cattle.
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