Guide
Buying cattle in Zimbabwe
Proof of ownership, the movement permit, disease and condition — the checks that stop a cattle deal going wrong.
- National herd
- 5.7m head
- Permit needed
- To move stock
- FMD, 2026
- Mat South
- Checks
- 6
Most cattle deals that go wrong fail on ownership or the movement permit. Both can be checked before money moves.
1. Make sure the animals are the seller's
Stock theft is the oldest problem in the cattle trade. The first job is to be sure the person selling the animals owns them.
- Stock cards and brands. Ask for the seller's stock card or brand certificate, and check the brand on each animal matches it.
- Identity. The name on the papers should match the seller's identity document. If someone is selling for a relative, ask for written authority.
- Local knowledge. Ask the village head, the local veterinary officer or the police whether the seller is known to keep cattle. In some districts police clearance is needed before cattle are sold — ask the local police or veterinary office what applies there.
2. The movement permit
Cattle, goats and sheep should not move from one farm or district to another without a veterinary movement permit from the Department of Veterinary Services. Animals moving without one can be stopped and held at a roadblock.
Foot-and-mouth in 2026. FMD was confirmed in Matabeleland South in January 20261 and has spread across southern Africa this year. If the animals are in or near a control area, movement may be restricted or banned — check with the district veterinary office before you agree a price.
3. Health and condition
- Dipping and vaccination records. Ask when the animals were last dipped and what they were vaccinated against. Tick-borne diseases such as January disease (theileriosis) kill cattle in the rainy season.
- Condition. Look for ribs and hip bones showing, a dull coat, discharge from the eyes or nose, lameness and swollen lymph nodes.
- Age and fertility. Check teeth for age. For breeding cows, ask for calving history; for heifers sold as in-calf, ask when they were served and by which bull — or have a vet confirm pregnancy.
4. Agreeing the price
- Price per head or per kg live weight — agree which, and whose scale.
- Who pays for transport, loading and permits.
- A written receipt with the number of animals, their brands and descriptions, the price and both parties' names.
In a dry year like the one forecast for 2026/27,2 many farmers sell before their animals lose condition. Buyers with grazing and water can do well — sellers usually do better selling early than late.
Checklist
- Stock card or brand certificate, matching the animals and the seller
- Veterinary movement permit for the journey
- Check for FMD or other movement restrictions in the area
- Dipping and vaccination record
- Animals seen in daylight, walking, before paying
- Written receipt
This guide is not veterinary or legal advice. Rules on permits and disease control change, and differ by district. Confirm with the Department of Veterinary Services and your local police before you buy.