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More than 300 cattle were vaccinated in KaShabalala village near Hazyview on Monday as government intensified efforts to contain the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) across Southern Africa.
The vaccination drive formed part of the seventh nationwide FMD vaccination campaign led by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. He was joined by Mpumalanga Agriculture MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi, Eswatini’s Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka and representatives from Mozambique’s agriculture department.
Speaking during the visit, Steenhuisen said Southern African countries needed to work together to defeat the disease.
“Our drive now is to get a regional approach to Foot and Mouth Disease. You only beat FMD if you adopt a regional approach,” he said.
He added that SADC agriculture ministers will meet in Victoria Falls later this month to discuss plans for a regional antigen bank, improved laboratory capacity and stronger cooperation to fight transboundary animal diseases.
The campaign also focuses on animal movement control, traceability and intensified disease surveillance to protect livestock and food security while improving trade opportunities for farmers across the region.
Local cattle farmer Simon Mabuza welcomed the vaccination programme, saying it gives farmers hope.
“We are very happy to see government vaccinating our cattle. FMD affects our livelihoods badly because we depend on livestock for income. This programme gives us confidence that our animals will be protected,” said Mabuza.
Authorities believe regional cooperation will help position the Southern African Development Community as a premium meat supplier to international markets.
