An Investigation on the effects of tick borne diseases on cattle production

Author

Jowa, J. N

Title

An Investigation on the effects of tick borne diseases on cattle production

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe. This study investigated the Effects of tick-borne diseases on cattle production in Murewa District, ward 23 Mashonaland East. A descriptive survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of farmers. Data were collected through structured interviews, questionnaires, field observations and veterinary records from dip tanks and animal health centers were distributed and 100 were retained. The demographic information indicated that men were most dominant amongst the farmers with 58.8% and 41.8% female respondents, reflecting gender dynamics in cattle farming in the district. The study revealed that Theileriosis (54%) was the most prevalent TBD, followed by Anaplasmosis (21%), Babesiosis (15%), and Heartwater (10%, significantly impact livestock health, leading to reduced productivity and economic losses among smallholder farmers. Farmers identified ticks (55%) and poor cattle management practices (35%) as the primary causes of TBDs. Diagnosis was predominantly based on clinical signs (55%), with limited reliance on veterinary and laboratory support. Control methods included chemical acaricides, cultural and biological practices, with 50% of respondents using an integrated approach. However, challenges such as limited resources (45%), inadequate knowledge (35%), and inconsistent tick control measures (20%) were significant barriers. The findings revealed a strong correlation between tick-borne diseases prevalence and decreased cattle productivity. The study concludes that while there is awareness of TBDs among farmers, resource constraints and knowledge gaps hinder effective control. It recommends increased access to veterinary services, farmer training on integrated tick management, and support for sustainable, low-cost tick control solutions to reduce TBD-related losses and enhance cattle production .

Date

OCTOBER 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

tick borne diseases

farmers

cattle production

Supervisor

Mr. TNC Mangwiro