1,4 million cattle branded countrywide
ABOUT 1,4 million cattle have so far been branded countrywide, representing 69,5 percent of the annual target of 2 million as Government scales up measures to curb unnecessary losses through stock theft.
This achievement demonstrates significant progress towards meeting the yearly goal, with about 600 000 cattle remaining to be branded to reach the targeted milestone.
The Government commenced cattle branding last month to reduce stock theft and control the spread of diseases in the country.
Branding, also known as umtshiso, is a process whereby farmers get a unique mark for their herd from the Registrar-General’s Office as a way of reducing stock theft.
Winter is the optimum period for branding as risk of wound infection and myiasis is low due to low fly activity associated with the low temperatures.
In Zimbabwe, branding serves the purpose of identifying the dip tank or farm of origin for cattle that are over six months old.
Department of Veterinary Field Services director Dr Jairus Machakwa said they are on course to surpass the target.
“The local veterinary officers conduct community branding campaigns and inform the cattle owners where and when they should produce all their cattle above six months for branding.
“The owner of cattle may be prosecuted if the cattle have no brands. Furthermore, only branded cattle shall be issued a movement permit.
“The response has been tremendous. Farmers have come to appreciate the benefits of branding, recognising it as a vital tool in disease control and prevention of stock theft. Their cooperation and support has been instrumental in our success, and we are grateful for their collaboration in achieving our goals,” he said.
Branding of cattle is done in accordance with the Animal Health (Livestock Identification) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 35 of 2003 which makes veterinary brands mandatory with only dairy and stud herds exempted.
Cattle branding is a critical component in solving ownership disputes, curbing stock theft, controlling movements and reducing the spread of diseases from one area to other areas.
It is key in reducing stock theft and farmers are encouraged to ensure their cattle are branded for easy identification and to enhance recovery after theft by rustlers.
International standards in the trade of livestock and products demand that products be traceable to the farm of origin. Livestock identification through cattle branding and ear tagging facilitates access to high value regional and international markets as the livestock products will be traceable from fork to farm.
Dr Machakwa said although they are currently utilising cattle branding for livestock identification, the department is actively exploring the transition to electronic livestock identification methods.
“This shift will leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of our identification processes.
“Electronic identification will not only improve disease traceability and control, but also provide a more robust solution to prevent stock theft and enhance overall livestock management.
“Furthermore, these advanced systems will enable geolocation tracking, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of livestock in real-time.
“This will revolutionise our ability to monitor and manage our livestock, enabling swift response to disease outbreaks, reducing the risk of stock theft, and improving the overall health and well-being of animals.
Branding of cattle is not only done in Zimbabwe, but in the SADC region because of cross-border theft of livestock.