Vet24 moves to eradicate livestock diseases in rural areas
Lack of access to veterinary products and services by majority of smallholder farmers in Southern Province, has contributed to the high prevalence of livestock diseases caused by a high infestation of ticks and worms.
In its effort to meet the needs of the smallholder market Vet24, a fully Zambian owned veterinary company, extended its operations beyond the line of rail to remote areas. With Musika’s support, Vet24 developed a network of outlets in Choma, Namwala, Pemba, Monze and Kalomo districts, providing a wide range of veterinary products and services.
Musika’s support included two motorbikes and salary subsidy for two vet sales officers, on a cost-shared basis, providing technical knowledge on the application of veterinary drugs, and herd health management practices.
The presence of Vet24 in areas like Moyo in Pemba District helped revamp the dipping of animals after a six year absence. With Musika’s support, Vet24 rehabilitated Mudenda community dip tank following a request by Chief Moyo and his subjects to utilise the facility. About 500 animals are dipped on a weekly basis belonging to 51 smallholder farmers comprising 50 males and one female.
” It’s unbelievable that my subjects have started dipping their animals which have never had a dip wash for the past six years since the dip tank broke down. We made an attempt to operate it as a community but all efforts failed because of lack of business skills. We are thankful to Vet24 for coming to our aid, it’s like a dream come true for me,” said an excited Headman Mudenda.
Chief Moyo said he looked forward to the introduction of new genetics introduced through the community herd by using improved bulls or Artificial Insemination.
According to Vet24 Sales Manager, Lastone Choonga, the company intended to introduce improved genetics by March, 2015 once the necessary equipment and logistics were put in place by end of January, 2015.
Additionally, Vet24 was providing off livestock services in Maboombo for 3,500 animals, Masuku for 3,000 animals, and Choma area for 1500 animals, and herd health schemes for eight farmers with 520 animals since June, 2014. The company was also provided complementary services to farmers delivering milk at Mungaila, Niko, Namwala central, and Monze milk collection centers.