KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has expressed joy upon the arrival of one million foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina. The much-needed vaccines arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday and were officially received by the Department of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa made these remarks at the eMachobeni Royal Palace in Ingwavuma on the sidelines of the uMkhosi wamaGanu (Marula Festival). As one of the provinces most severely affected by the FMD outbreak, KwaZulu-Natal will receive one of the largest allocations from this critical vaccine shipment.
Also read: KZN deploying 45 teams to vaccinate 2.45 million cattle in massive FMD campaign
The million doses of vaccine will be distributed as follows:
- KwaZulu-Natal: 200 000 doses
- Free State: 200 000 doses
- Eastern Cape: 150 000 doses
- Mpumalanga: 100 000 doses
- North West: 100 000 doses
- Limpopo: 100 000 doses
- Gauteng: 70 000 doses
- Northern Cape: 50 000 doses
- Western Cape: 30 000 doses
KaMadlopha-Mthethwa announced that 45 teams, each comprising three animal health technicians and data capturers, will be deployed to conduct vaccinations across KwaZulu-Natal in collaboration with livestock associations. She said she expects her team of veterinary services practitioners to hit the ground running and complete the vaccination of 2.45 million cattle in the province within the scheduled timeframe of four to six months, with additional vaccine deliveries planned to follow.
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FMD vaccinations: ‘KZN will be ready to roll immediately’ – public/private stakeholders
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