Johnson Progress

A mysterious cattle disease has ravaged Gankabezi village in Insiza South, killing dozens of cattle and plunging families into economic despair.

The disease, which causes internal rotting and primarily attacks the lungs, has left villagers staring into a future of hunger and poverty with no livestock left to support their livelihoods.

Bekithemba Thebe, a local farmer, lost 21 cattle and described the impact on his family’s livelihood.

“We used to earn a living by selling cattle to take kids to school and even for building. I sold some to buy food,” Thebe said, highlighting the significance of cattle in rural communities.

Gift Ndlovu, who lost his entire herd save for a few calves, described the emotional toll of the losses.

“I sometimes lose my mind when I think about the property that I lost,” Ndlovu said, underscoring the traumatic impact of the disease on farmers.

Roger Ncube buried 15 animals in quick succession and recounted the dire situation.

“They were dying in numbers a day. We eventually had to leave some to rot because of the sheer rate of death,” Ncube said, describing the rapid spread of the disease.

Villagers attribute the worsening crisis to the lack of veterinary support and dipping facilities.

Zephaniah Nkomo, who lost 10 cattle, expressed frustration with the current situation.

“Now we are being told that there is no vaccine, cows do not dip,” Nkomo said, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention.

The villagers have appealed for government and donor support, including veterinary services, vaccines, and restocking programs with cattle or goats.

Clarkson Matshaya from the Umzingwane District Farmers Association emphasized the need for sustainable solutions.

“Farmers must have access to water in Umzingwane and Ncema dams for fodder production. Rehabilitation and solarising dip tanks would also help,” Matshaya said.

The situation in Gankabezi village is dire, with entire herds wiped out and families struggling to survive.

Village head Sydney Mthuthuki Mkhwananzi, who lost 19 cattle, summed up the situation.

“Losing cattle is like losing everything our food, our income, our future. Without them, we are finished,” Mkhwananzi said, underscoring the urgent need for support.