The Department of Veterinary Technical Services (DVTS) has developed the first commercial batch of Theileriosis (BOLVAC) Vaccine aimed at protecting livestock against January disease.
This department received financial support from Government and development partners to produce 20,460 doses.
In an interview with 263Chat, Directorate Veterinary Services Chief Director Dr Josphat Nyika said the current stock of vaccine will be free for now so that it will be popularized.
“We are excited as the department of veterinary services and indeed as farmers and the whole nation on this breakthrough in terms of the production of this vaccine, we will popularize the vaccine first so that farmers see the benefits before we start to sell it,” he said.
He added that this (BOLVAC) vaccine will confer lifelong immunity to the animals that would have been vaccinated.
“As people are aware that we have been losing a number of cattle from the January disease, the vaccine will supplement the dipping exercise,” he said.
Dr. Nyika further noted that immunization using Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Theileriosis vaccines is an important component of the Integrated Ticks and Tick-borne Disease Control Strategy(ITTBDCS).
“We are going to produce 100,000 doses by year end to make sure that this vaccination does not run out and make sure that all farmers get the vaccine for their animals,” he said.
According to Dr Nyika, Zimbabwe can now produce vaccines against three out of four the major TBD prevalent in the country.
With such capacity, the country is now ready to roll-out its Integrated Ticks and Tick-borne Disease Control Strategy (ITTBDCS).
“We will register our vaccine with (MCAZ) Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe and prepare to sell the vaccine internationally if it proves effective quickly,” said Nyika.
