Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe

01/10/2025

This is very sad. 😭😭😭The law doesn't just protect your dog; it protects your community. It acknowledges that an unvaccinated dog is a risk to every child, every neighbor, and every other pet they meet. It's sad that we must be legally compelled to do what is right for public health, but it's a necessary reminder of our shared vulnerability.

# Vaccinate your dog today and be the responsible citizen 😪😪😪😪

30/09/2025

Rabies prevention is a community effort. Keep your pets' vaccines current, educate your family on staying safe around animals, and report stray or strange-acting animals to local authorities. By working together, we can protect our neighbors—both two-legged and four-legged… # No to rabies in our communities lets vaccinate out dogs today….

30/09/2025

Working together, we can end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Vaccination is the key to creating a rabies-free world. Be part of the solution by ensuring your pets are vaccinated and sharing this information with your community

29/09/2025

Congratulations to Masvingo provincial Veterinary team for clinching the best price at Masvingo provincial Agric show 2025 edition

29/09/2025

As we continue to commemorate World Rabies Day, here are the highlights of Matabeleland South Provincial World Rabies Day Awareness Campaign recently held in Plumtree town.
We had a number of activities which included Mass Rabies vaccinations of dogs and cats, a march around town to raise awareness, presentations and edutainement from school learners.
Many thanks to everyone who assisted us in making this a success. your dog vaccinated for rabies today

13/09/2025

Digitization and Modernization of the Agriculture Sector continue

Today, in Bulawayo, the Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Dr P.V. Makaya, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri, distributed 492 new tablets to the Directorate of Veterinary Services extension staff of Matebeleland North and South Provinces. This is a significant step in enhancing veterinary care in these regions, he said.

The Chief Director encouraged Veterinary personnel to now leverage technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance their work by utilizing digital tools for data collection and analysis, implementing AI-powered diagnostic systems, enhancing animal health monitoring and surveillance, and streamlining veterinary services and operations

He highlighted that by embracing technology, Veterinary personnel can improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making, ultimately benefiting animal health and welfare.

06/09/2025

This is a clear demonstration of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s commitment to supporting the Directorate of Veterinary Services in enforcing animal movement controls. Such collaboration is highly commendable and greatly strengthens disease prevention efforts

24/08/2025

National FMD Vaccination Drive Breathes Life Into Zimbabwe’s Herds

At Zivave Diptank in Masvingo District, hope and determination converged as Zimbabwe launched its national vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This livestock plague has crippled farmers’ livelihoods, closing doors to lucrative markets. Now, with vaccination underway, optimism is palpable.

Provincial Veterinary Director Dr. Kramer Manyetu spotlighted the campaign’s urgency, stressing that it comes at a decisive moment to contain outbreaks in Gutu and prevent its spread to Chivi and further northwards into Mashonaland East. “This campaign is extremely important for our farmers because Foot and Mouth Disease prevents them from trading their livestock. With vaccination now in motion, farmers are excited, knowing they will soon be able to trade freely and lucratively,” he affirmed.

For villagers whose survival rests on cattle, the intervention is nothing short of transformative. “The vaccination programme is extremely important since my cattle are now protected, and as a farmer, I am very happy because my life depends on livestock,” said Mrs. Lizah Tatisayi. Ward 3 Councillor, Mr. Jadiel Chikoore, said, “Livestock is truly the lifeblood of rural income, and protecting them means protecting our people’s livelihoods.” Mr. Wilson Siziba applauded the move, noting, “Government’s timely action has restored hope for us farmers, and we can now look to the future with confidence.”

Food Security: Everywhere, Everyday

24/08/2025

14/08/2025

Zimbabwe Secures Critical WOAH Vaccine Boost in Fight to Eradicate Rabies by 2030
Zimbabwe’s campaign to eradicate rabies has gained decisive momentum with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), delivering 100,000 doses of rabies vaccines. The formal handover on August 13, 2025, at the Ministry in Harare, marked a great stride toward breaking the deadly cycle of transmission.
WOAH’s Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo, stressed that targeting densely populated areas through mass dog vaccination is the most effective route to halting the disease. He hailed Zimbabwe’s unwavering resolve and reaffirmed WOAH’s enduring partnership in this life-saving mission.
Deputy Minister Hon. Davis Marapira called the donation a priceless safeguard for communities, while Chief Director for Veterinary Services Dr. Pious Makaya acknowledged the persistent challenge rabies poses. He voiced optimism that, with sustained resources, the national goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030 is within reach.
The latest consignment pushes Zimbabwe’s reserves beyond 356,000 doses, over halfway to the 600,000 target. The Ministry pledged intensified urban vaccination blitzes, reinforced by nationwide awareness drives and the promotion of responsible dog ownership.

13/08/2025

Zimbabwe Champions Regional Effort to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable aquaculture and the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as it hosts the Regional Workshop on AMR in Aquaculture for English-speaking African countries. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Davis Marapira said, the initiative aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status through sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate-resilient food systems. As the current chair of SADC, Zimbabwe is leveraging its leadership role to drive collaborative regional action on this pressing issue.
Noting aquaculture’s growing role in global food supply, Hon. Marapira noted that the sector is expected to help meet a projected 35%–56% increase in food demand between 2010 and 2050. He said SADC’s 2023–2032 Sustainable Economic Strategy and Action Plan, aligned with Vision 2050, offers a guiding framework for managing aquatic resources sustainably while boosting economic inclusivity and environmental resilience. Zimbabwe, with over 10,600 clean water bodies, more than 50% of SADC’s total—holds a unique advantage in expanding aquaculture production.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant threats to global health, food security, and sustainable development. In rapidly growing aquaculture markets like Africa, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials threaten trade, public health, and environmental stability. Zimbabwe’s One Health AMR National Action Plan (2024–2028) prioritises aquatic animal health, biosecurity, prudent antimicrobial use, and education to safeguard the sector’s sustainability.
He also acknowledged the challenges in combating AMR, including limited access to vaccines and probiotics, regulatory gaps, and fragmented data collection.