Vaccination effort commences to combat Foot-and- Mouth Disease in Gauteng

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has confirmed that mass vaccination efforts against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have officially commenced in Gauteng as the agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge against the outbreak. This announcement was made during Steenhuisen's visit to the Karan Beef Feedlot on Monday where he underscored the critical nature of the ongoing vaccination campaign following last week's delivery of over 900 000 vaccine doses from Botswana.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This is the first time the department is vaccinating at feedlot level to get FMD under control.

Steenhuisen highlighted the severity of the FMD situation, noting outbreaks primarily in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with additional cases emerging in Mpumalanga and North West province.

“We urge farmers and workers to follow the regulations we have put in place. It's the cooperation that will help us to control the spread of FMD. We have put in regulations around auctions and the movement of animals,” he said.