February 2, 2007

Forex shortage cripples livestock breeders in Zimbabwe

A shortage of dipping chemicals has crippled the livestock breeding industry of Zimbabwe, with market players saying the foreign currency crisis had hampered the import of the chemicals.

The situation is such many farmers in the cattle breeding industry have been losing a large number of beasts due to diseases that could easily be eliminated with dipping.

According to "Business Digest" news, there has been a critical shortage of amitraz, a dipping chemical used to treat animals as its supplier, Chemplex Chemicals, has no foreign currency to import the chemical.

Chemplex Chemicals marketing officer confirmed the news.

The Veterinary Services Department has in the past said they have no alternative for chemicals, as the country is facing foreign currency shortages that hinder imports of chemicals.