South Africa’s strategy to achieve foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status through vaccination will not be achieved quickly but will be implemented in phases. Legislation will be urgently reviewed to meet targets within this timeframe.

By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The main focus of the foot-and-mouth disease strategy that the ministerial task force has been working on since last year is to interrupt virus transmission and reduce the incidence of the disease to very low levels within two to three years.

Certified FMD-free zones with vaccination will then be established. Attention will also be given to improving communal trade channels. In this phase, one of the goals will be for certain zones to be declared FMD-free without vaccination, for which the department will apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Also read: FMD | Strategy will target feedlots and high-risk areas first

“The success of this strategy will depend heavily on an urgent review of the legislative framework, which must be adapted to the current emergency situation,” said Dr Emily Mogajane, chairperson of the ministerial task force, during a media briefing on 14 January.

Legislation that requires urgent review includes, among others, the use of private veterinarians to assist with vaccinations, provisions relating to the fifth quarter of slaughtered animals and the lifting of the F-brand, the lifting of disease control zones, as well as quarantine measures.

Phase 1

The first phase of the strategy is planned for Years 1 to 2. It includes intensive vaccination, enhanced surveillance, improved movement control and strengthening the country’s laboratory capacity.

Phase 2

The second phase, planned for Years 2 to 4, includes the establishment of buffer zones and compartments, improved communal trading systems, and applications for FMD-free status with vaccination for designated zones.

Phase 3

This phase, which will run from Years 4 to 7, will focus on the cessation of vaccination in FMD-free zones. This process will be guided by evidence-based decision-making.

Phase 4

In this “national freedom phase”, role players will focus on the cessation of vaccination at national level, as well as recognition of South Africa’s FMD-free status by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The task force aims to reduce the incidence of FMD in priority zones by 70% within the first 24 months of the strategy, while achieving vaccination coverage of 80% of target livestock populations. About 90% of these livestock are found in feedlots and/or dairies.

Download more information on the country’s long-term FMD strategy.