It is critical that all livestock farmers participate in the ministerial task team’s national survey on the foot-and-mouth disease situation, says the Milk Producers’ Organisation. This is especially important given the limited availability of vaccine and the possible cases currently under investigation in the Western Cape.

By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) is deeply concerned about the shortage of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, particularly in light of recently confirmed cases and the high risk to dairy farms from nearby outbreaks.

Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the MPO, says this shortage limits efforts to effectively contain and manage the spread of FMD in KwaZulu-Natal and other affected regions. “The shortage poses a significant challenge to timely containment and increases the vulnerability of herds in threatened areas,” he says.

He adds that every possible avenue within the country’s legal framework must be pursued to urgently obtain additional vaccine.

Also read: ‘Prosecutions may follow’ – Steenhuisen after FMD scare in Western Cape

New Cases in KZN, WC and Other Regions

Ferreira says the MPO remains in close contact with the ministerial task team of the national Department of Agriculture to support containment and response efforts following new cases confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We were able to obtain vaccines from the feedlot industry for the outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal, and we are grateful for their assistance. From our side, we are exploring all other options available within the regulatory framework.”

Ferreira describes the possible cases in the Western Cape as extremely concerning. “We call on farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols and comply with all regulations regarding livestock transport. Increased vigilance and cooperation are critical to limiting the spread of the disease.”

Also read: Possible cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) put three Western Cape farms under quarantine

Turkish Vaccine

Regarding the possible importation of vaccine from Turkey, the MPO understands that the Section 21 permit application process is under way. This permit would allow the import and use of the vaccine under emergency regulations to expedite access and bypass the standard registration process.

The vaccine under consideration is a DIVA-compatible, oil-adjuvanted vaccine from Dollvet, which provides six months’ protection and requires a booster every two years. Although FMD remains a state-controlled disease, farmers may be expected to contribute to vaccination costs. Where vaccinations are given preventively, the industry will assist as far as possible to reduce the financial burden and help ensure fair access.

Survey

Participation in the ministerial task team’s countrywide FMD survey will play a key role in determining how many doses are needed and ensuring effective distribution.

“We urge all dairy farmers to participate to help protect farms against future FMD outbreaks,” Ferreira says. “To enable proactive national planning, it is essential that every farmer takes part, including those in provinces where no cases have been confirmed.”

All information collected will be used only in aggregate and reported at district level. No individual names or farm-specific data will be released.

Data from the survey will be used to:

Develop and prepare outbreak scenarios;
Determine how many and what type of vaccine doses are needed; and
Obtain and support official approval for the vaccines.

The survey is short and simple, and takes only a few minutes to complete online.

“Failure to participate will result in incomplete data, which could lead to inaccurate vaccine orders, delays in distribution, and increased risk and cost for individual farms and the wider livestock sector. Accurate data is the first step in protecting your herd,” Ferreira says.

Click here to complete the survey.