Farmers call for action

CRISIS: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE NOT UNDER CONTROL, SAY PRODUCERS >>> Minister under fire despite moves to step up fight on outbreak.

- Marizka Coetzer

Volunteer ambulances run by a Jewish organization were set on fire in Golders Green, London, on Sunday. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday condemned the 'anti-Semitic attack'. Picture: AFP Also see P9

(AFP)

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen met the acting police minister and AgriSA yesterday to discuss rural and communal safety issues, including cross-border stock theft and the improvement of the nationwide CCTV network in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Steenhuisen has welcomed the swift intervention by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) to expedite the importation of six million Dollvet vaccine doses to combat FMD.

"This follows a Section 21 permit issued on Friday for two million doses of the vaccine, he said.

"Sahpra has confirmed that two additional permits for the remaining four million doses will also be issued. This phased procurement in lots of two million is a logistical necessity in light of the current conflict in the Middle East," the minister added.

Steenhuisen also confirmed five million doses of the Biogénesis Bago vaccines are also on order and confirmed one million doses of this vaccine and 1.5 million doses of Dollvet arrived in the country last month.