The effects of war on the control of diseases of livestock in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The disruption of veterinary services in the tribal areas of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during seven years of conflict resulted in serious epidemics of disease. The cessation of dipping was followed by the death of an estimated one million cattle from tick-borne disease. Heavy mortality followed the disruption of control measures for trypanosomiasis. Foot-and-mouth disease and anthrax spread widely in the tribal areas. Rabies, normally restricted to areas bordering Botswana and Mocambique, became widespread. A marked increase in human deaths from anthrax and rabies occurred.