Tick-Borne Diseases in Zimbabwean Livestock: How Dipping and Spray Races Can Save Your Herd

Hannah Lubbe
Apr 16, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Nov 10

Cattle spray race in Zimbabwe and tick born diseases

In Zimbabwe, tick-borne diseases such as Theileriosis (“January Disease”), babesiosis, anaplasmosis and heartwater devastate cattle, sheep and goats. Learn how regular dipping, strategic acaricide use and modern spray race installations protect your livestock and boost productivity.

The Hidden Threat: Tick-Borne Diseases in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe’s livestock industry, ticks are much more than a nuisance—they are carriers of disease that can destroy entire herds. The four main tick-borne diseases affecting cattle are theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and heartwater.

Theileriosis “January Disease”

Of these, the most devastating is theileriosis, sometimes referred to as “January Disease” in Zimbabwe.

It is caused by protozoa of the genus Theileria parva, transmitted by ticks within the genus Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and related species.
According to recent data, tick-borne diseases account for around two-thirds (67 %) of all cattle mortalities in Zimbabwe, with theileriosis leading the pack.
Further, several sources report that Zimbabwe has lost around half a million cattle to theileriosis in recent years.

Other Key Tick-Borne Diseases

While theileriosis grabs headlines, it’s vital not to neglect the other major threats:

Anaplasmosis: Caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale, this disease attacks red blood cells, causing anaemia, jaundice, lowered milk and meat production.
Babesiosis: Also called “redwater”, due to the red-brown urine it can cause; protozoa of the genus Babesia are transmitted by multiple tick species.
Heartwater: Caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia ruminantium, spread by bont ticks (genus Amblyomma). Symptoms include high fever, neurological signs, respiratory distress and rapid death.

Each of these diseases undermines herd health, productivity and profitability. Together, they represent one of the biggest constraints on livestock farming in Zimbabwe.

Why Dipping and Tick Control Are Non-Negotiable

Tick-borne diseases remain controllable—but only if consistent, proper tick control measures are in place. The backbone of this approach is regular dipping of cattle (and small stock) and strategic management of tick habitats.

The Power of Dipping

Dipping (or alternatively, thorough spraying) helps break the tick-pathogen-animal cycle. Some of the key benefits:

Disease prevention: Killing ticks before they can transmit pathogens such as Theileria, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia dramatically cuts out sudden animal deaths and treatment costs.
Better productivity: Animals free of heavy tick loads forage more effectively, gain weight faster, and produce more milk or meat.
Fewer hide/wound problems: Heavy tick infestation leads to skin damage, abscess formation, fly strike, and this reduces hide and carcass value.
Labour and cost savings: A well-managed dip schedule can lower management burdens by creating a healthier, more uniform herd.

Historically, Zimbabwe introduced regulated short interval dipping as early as 1901 to combat major tick-borne epidemics.

Integrated Tick Control is Key

Dipping alone is not enough. Modern strategies emphasise an integrated approach:

Use of effective acaricides (and monitoring for resistance)
Dipping or spraying at correct intervals depending on season, tick pressure and location
Managing the environment: bush clearing around kraals, reducing tick habitats, controlling movement of infested animals.

Why a Spray Race is a Smart Investment for Your Livestock Operation

If you’re serious about professional livestock management whether cattle, goats or sheep, a spray race offers major advantages over traditional plunge dips or ad‐hoc spraying.

What is a Spray Race?

A spray race (or spray tunnel) is an engineered channel through which animals walk while being sprayed with acaricide solution via nozzles from above, sides and floor. The used solution is collected, filtered and recycled for that session. This approach ensures full-body coverage and efficient use of dip.

Advantages of using a Spray Race

Complete coverage: High risk areas (ears, under tail, belly, between legs) are targeted by multiple jets.
Efficient dip usage: Less dip volume, better recycling, less waste and more cost-effective.
Faster & less stressful for animals: Animals walk through the channel rather than being forced into a bath; this reduces health risks and stress.
Labour saving: One or two workers can process a large herd quickly.
Environmental & safety benefits: Reduced dip volumes, better containment of used solution, safer disposal.
Flexibility for different species: A well-designed system can cater for goats, sheep as well as cattle