Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe

Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe The Directorate of Veterinary Services is dedicated to promoting animal health and welfare across Zimbabwe.

We achieve this through
- Robust disease surveillance and monitoring
- Effective prevention and control measures
- Collaboration with stakeholders. The division's mandate is to prevent entry, spread, establishment and resurgence of animal diseases and pest of major economic and public health importance while mainstreaming animal welfare standards.

NEWCASTLE DISEASE REMAINS A MAJOR THREAT TO POULTRY PRODUCTIONThe Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resou...
05/06/2026

NEWCASTLE DISEASE REMAINS A MAJOR THREAT TO POULTRY PRODUCTION

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, continues to encourage poultry farmers to remain vigilant against Newcastle Disease, one of the most contagious and devastating diseases affecting chickens.

Newcastle Disease spreads rapidly through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, feed and water, and can result in sudden deaths, respiratory distress, nervous signs, diarrhoea, and a sharp decline in egg production. In severe outbreaks, entire flocks can be wiped out within a short period.

The good news is that Newcastle Disease is preventable through regular vaccination and strict biosecurity measures. Farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their poultry according to recommended schedules, isolate newly introduced birds, restrict unnecessary movement of poultry, and maintain clean poultry housing.

Government has a target of vaccinating 30 million rural chickens in 2026 with a locally manufactured vaccine . To date 18.2 millions have been vaccinated free of charge through the government sponsored program

Extension staff play a critical role in educating farmers, promoting vaccination campaigns, monitoring disease outbreaks, and encouraging the prompt reporting of suspected cases.

Any sudden increase in poultry deaths or signs suggestive of Newcastle Disease should be reported immediately to the nearest Veterinary Office for investigation and guidance.

Protect your flock. Vaccinate regularly. Practice good biosecurity. Report disease early.

Healthy Poultry, Secure Livelihoods, Food Security Everywhere Everyday.

DID YOU KNOW? The Dairy Services Unit plays a critical role in safeguarding and growing Zimbabwe’s dairy industry.Operat...
05/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW? The Dairy Services Unit plays a critical role in safeguarding and growing Zimbabwe’s dairy industry.

Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dairy Services works behind the scenes to ensure that the milk and dairy products reaching consumers are safe, high-quality, and produced according to national standards.

Its responsibilities include registering and inspecting dairy farms, factories, and markets; testing the competency of dairy personnel; grading cheese, butter, and raw milk; monitoring milk quality; and providing technical advisory services to farmers and industry stakeholders.

Dairy Services also drives dairy herd improvement through milk recording programmes, artificial insemination, disease control, and the promotion of superior genetics. These programmes help farmers increase productivity, improve herd health, and enhance profitability.

Through regular testing of milking machines, verification of milk meters, and accreditation programmes, Dairy Services ensures fairness, efficiency, and quality throughout the dairy value chain.

Every litre of quality milk produced contributes to improved nutrition, farmer livelihoods, employment creation, and national economic growth.

Dairy Services — supporting farmers, protecting consumers, and building a stronger dairy industry for Zimbabwe.

The DAIRY INDUSTRY : ZIMBABWE S’ AGRICULTURAL SUCCESS STORYZimbabwe’s dairy industry continues to stand out as one of th...
05/06/2026

The DAIRY INDUSTRY : ZIMBABWE S’ AGRICULTURAL SUCCESS STORY

Zimbabwe’s dairy industry continues to stand out as one of the country’s agricultural success stories, demonstrating resilience, growth, and increasing farmer participation.

The sector is targeting increased milk production in 2026, supported by more than 5,000 dairy and mixed dairy-beef farmers contributing to national milk output.

Mr. Addmore Waniwa, Chief Dairy Officer in Dairy Services, said the industry’s growth has been driven by strategic interventions implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, which has prioritised dairy development as a key component of agricultural transformation and food security.

Zimbabwe currently has 200 registered large-scale commercial dairy farmers, 35 medium-scale dairy farmers, and approximately 4,800 small-scale dairy farmers who play an important role in national milk production.

Recognising the importance of smallholder participation, the Ministry has organised thousands of small-scale dairy farmers into 35 farmer units, supported by strategically located milk collection centres. These centres have improved market access, strengthened milk quality management, and reduced post-harvest losses.

Dairy Services has played a pivotal role in the sector’s development through farmer mobilisation, registration, quality assurance, dairy herd improvement programmes, training, and technical advisory services. These interventions have strengthened farmer capacity and improved productivity across the dairy value chain.

Speaking on the state of the dairy industry, Director of Veterinary Technical Services, Dr. Lawrence Dinginya, said the dairy sector continues to register steady growth despite existing challenges.

“The industry continues to expand, although challenges such as high somatic cell counts and drug residues in milk remain major causes of milk condemnation. Farmers are encouraged to adopt good dairy management practices, adhere to drug withdrawal periods, and maintain high standards of milk hygiene to ensure the production of safe, quality milk,” said Dr. Dinginya.

Dr. Dinginya further encouraged more farmers to venture into dairy farming, noting the sector’s potential to improve household incomes, create employment, and contribute to national food and nutrition security.

To support dairy expansion, plans are underway to inseminate approximately 1,200 cattle belonging to prospective dairy farmers in Masvingo Province using semen from proven high-yielding dairy breeds such as Jersey, Ayrshire, and Friesian. The programme is expected to improve dairy herd genetics and increase milk productivity among emerging farmers.

Zimbabwe’s dairy industry has also strengthened its contribution to regional trade, with processed dairy products being exported to neighbouring countries including Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. These exports demonstrate growing confidence in Zimbabwean dairy products and highlight the sector’s potential to contribute to national economic growth and foreign currency generation.

To remain aligned with developments in the global dairy community, Zimbabwe is a member of international dairy platforms such as the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the African Dairy Association (AfDA), where it actively participates.

As Government, industry stakeholders, and farmers continue working together, the dairy sector remains a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s vision for agricultural growth, rural development, and sustainable food security. Through continued investment in genetics, farmer training, milk quality assurance, and market development, the industry is well positioned for further expansion in the years ahead




RABIES VACCINATION AND DOG LICENSING CAMPAIGN – MARSHLANDS, NORTON The Norton Town Council, in collaboration with the Zi...
04/06/2026

RABIES VACCINATION AND DOG LICENSING CAMPAIGN – MARSHLANDS, NORTON

The Norton Town Council, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and the Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA), invites all dog owners in Marshlands and surrounding areas to participate in a Dog Vaccination and Licensing Exercise.

Date: Friday, 05 June 2026
Time: 1000 Hours
@@: MAFS Shops, Marshlands

Dog owners are encouraged to bring all unvaccinated dogs for rabies vaccination.

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects both animals and humans, but it can be prevented through regular vaccination of dogs.

Vaccination Fee: US$1 per dog
Dog License Fee: US$1 per dog

Residents with unwanted dogs are also encouraged to bring them for collection as part of ongoing efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and community safety.

Together, let us protect our families, our livestock, and our communities from rabies while ensuring our dogs remain healthy and properly licensed.

A vaccinated dog is a protected dog. A protected dog means a safer community for everyone.

RABIES REMAINS A SERIOUS ONE HEALTH THREATThe Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development con...
03/06/2026

RABIES REMAINS A SERIOUS ONE HEALTH THREAT

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development continues to intensify efforts to combat rabies, a deadly disease that remains a significant threat to both human and animal health.

Recently, a suspected rabies case was reported in a donkey from Manganganga Area in Lupane District Matabeleland North province . Prior to its death, the donkey exhibited clinical signs consistent with rabies, including unusual aggression towards people. Before the animal was destroyed, it bit a three-year-old boy who was immediately referred to a health facility and received the necessary post-exposure treatment.

In Norton, Zvimba district,Mashonaland West Province, a rabid dog was recently destroyed following laboratory confirmation of rabies. A mass rabies vaccination campaign has been scheduled for this week as authorities move swiftly to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and local authorities to strengthen rabies control measures. These collaborative efforts include public awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, and exploring sustainable approaches to managing stray dog populations in urban centres, where increasing numbers of roaming dogs pose a growing public health concern.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans and is transmitted primarily through bites from infected animals. Once clinical signs appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

According to Dr. Thokozani Mswela, Mashonaland West Provincial Veterinary Director, vaccination remains the most effective tool for controlling dog-mediated rabies, which accounts for the vast majority of human rabies exposures.

"Rabies vaccination is the surest way of controlling dog-mediated rabies, as dogs remain the principal source of infection for both humans and other animals," said Dr Mswela

Director of Veterinary Field Services, Dr. Machakwa, acknowledged the concerning incidence of rabies but assured the nation that the Directorate of Veterinary Services has adequate vaccine stocks to meet its annual target of vaccinating 500,000 dogs.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development currently provides rabies vaccination services at a heavily subsidised cost of US$1 per dog, making the service affordable and accessible to pet owners nationwide.

Dr. Machakwa reminded pet owners that it is a legal requirement for every dog to be vaccinated against rabies annually and urged members of the public to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination campaigns.

Pet owners are encouraged to report any animals exhibiting abnormal behaviour, aggression, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained paralysis to the nearest veterinary office immediately.

Rabies is preventable. Vaccinate your dog, protect your family, and safeguard your community.

MASVINGO YARANGARIRWA!!
02/06/2026

MASVINGO YARANGARIRWA!!

WEZHIRA HUYA UNZWE!!!!
02/06/2026

WEZHIRA HUYA UNZWE!!!!

MASVINGO PROVINCE HAS BEEN REMEMBERED !!!!
02/06/2026

MASVINGO PROVINCE HAS BEEN REMEMBERED !!!!

MASVINGO INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST ANTHRAX WITH THE LAUNCH OF MASS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN The Ministry of Agriculture, M...
02/06/2026

MASVINGO INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST ANTHRAX WITH THE LAUNCH OF MASS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Masvingo Province, has officially launched the Government-sponsored National Anthrax Vaccination Campaign, targeting anthrax hotspot districts including Chiredzi, Zaka, Gutu, Chivi and Masvingo.

Speaking during the launch, Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Director, Dr Kramer Manyetu, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the rollout of the programme. He urged livestock farmers to take full advantage of the campaign by bringing their cattle for vaccination in large numbers.

“Anthrax remains a highly fatal disease affecting both livestock and humans. Vaccination is the most effective way of protecting our national herd and safeguarding public health,” said Dr Manyetu.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 130,000 cattle in Masvingo Province, contributing towards the national target of one million cattle to be vaccinated against anthrax across the country.

Anthrax remains a significant threat within the province. Earlier this year, human anthrax cases were reported in Mwenezi District, prompting an emergency response that resulted in the vaccination of 9,824 cattle in affected areas. The incident highlighted the continued risk posed by the disease and the importance of preventive vaccination.

The Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Makaya, commended the progress being made under the national vaccination programme and highlighted the Government’s commitment to protecting livestock health through sustained disease control interventions.

Dr Makaya assured farmers that Government has adequate stocks of anthrax vaccine to cover all susceptible cattle populations nationwide. He encouraged farmers to cooperate with veterinary personnel and ensure that all eligible animals are vaccinated.

He further urged communities to promptly report any suspicious livestock deaths or disease outbreaks to the nearest veterinary office for immediate investigation and response.

“As anthrax is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, members of the public are strongly advised not to consume meat from animals that die suddenly or from unknown sources,” he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development continues to make significant strides in strengthening animal health systems through nationwide vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and farmer awareness programmes. These interventions are critical in protecting livestock, enhancing food security, safeguarding public health and supporting the growth and resilience of Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.



How much do you know about the disease Babesiosis ?
01/06/2026

How much do you know about the disease Babesiosis ?

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