Cattle vaccine plan is 'crisis, not disease control'

Farmers are sceptical of Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen's plan of action for foot-and-mouth-free (FMD) status in South Africa.

- Marizka Coetzer

Combatting FMD was a monumental task that will not happen overnight, Steenhuisen said, adding the department's strategy will be phased in over 10 years.

"This is a long-term commitment to the health of our economy and the security of our food supply. Since losing our FMD-free status in 2019, our farmers have faced unprecedented challenges. I have received many pleas for help, from commercial to communal farmers, who have borne the heavy burden of the recent FMD outbreaks in the country."

The current outbreak in the country's cattle started in 2021, when animals moved from Phalaborwa to KwaZulu-Natal, Steenhuisen said.