Government to vaccinate entire national herd as Foot and Mouth Disease crisis deepens

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on Wednesday announced a sweeping national plan to vaccinate South Africa’s entire cattle herd against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as the country battles one of its most severe outbreaks in decades.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Addressing the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference, Steenhuisen said the government will implement a comprehensive, phased national vaccination strategy, starting with the provinces hardest hit by the disease: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West.

“The Department of Agriculture has resolved to implement a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate the entire national herd. This initiative will position us to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status,” he said.

“This plan, however, will rely on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.”