Gauteng unveils proactive measures to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, have launched a comprehensive provincial response to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected over 261 000 animals.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

Yesterday, during a joint media briefing, the MEC indicated that the province' accelerated multi-stakeholder approach includes R16 million in funding, nearly 300 000 vaccine doses, and strict quarantine measures as the province battles one of South Africa's most severe livestock health crises.

The recurring disease, which has persisted for several months, has necessitated national and provincial interventions.

Consequently, there are reports that the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has proposed that the national government should consider declaring a national state of disaster in response to this outbreak.