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Author
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Dzimbanhete, Shepherd
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Title
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The Effects of theileriosis on cattle productivity at Gahadziso diptank, Zibwowa area in Zaka district
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Abstract
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This study examined the impact of Theileriosis on cattle productivity at Gahadziso Diptank, Zibwowa Area in Zaka District, Zimbabwe, based on the Eco-epidemiological Theory. The primary objectives were to ascertain the prevalence of Theileriosis, evaluate the economic losses sustained by farmers due to the disease, encompassing direct costs, and analyse current tick management and veterinary practices. The study was carried out in the southeastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. The methodologies involved the collection and laboratory analysis of blood samples from an initial cohort of 20 cattle utilising microscopy, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) to ascertain disease presence and exposure. Furthermore, questionnaires were distributed to 180 cattle farmers, resulting in a 90% response rate, to collect data on economic impacts and control strategies, with quantitative data analysed utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Preliminary diagnostic results from the 2580 sampled cattle using a pilot study revealed a Theileria infection rate of 50% (10/20) via PCR, with Theileria parva identified as the predominant species. ELISA results indicated that 60% (12/20) of the cattle possessed antibodies, signifying substantial exposure to the parasite. The economic survey indicated that 90% of the 180 surveyed farmers incurred expenditures for tick control due to the threat of Theileriosis, with a predominant 65% allocating between $50 and $200 annually. The predominant method for tick control was regular dipping in acaricides (65%), complemented by manual tick removal (55%) and hand spraying (40%).The study determined that Theileriosis is prevalent with substantial exposure rates among cattle at Gahadziso diptank, resulting in a significant financial burden on local farmers due to tick control costs. The diversity of existing tick management practices, notwithstanding their expenses, indicates a necessity to evaluate and improve the overall effectiveness and coordination of control strategies to alleviate the effects of Theileriosis on cattle productivity in the area.
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Date
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JUNE 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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theileriosis
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cattle productivity
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farmers
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Supervisor
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Mr T. Mangwiro
