Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, upon receiving the first shipment of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses from the Argentine biotechnology company Biogénesis Bágo, said that even once a farmer’s herd had been vaccinated, strict movement control will still be enforced. He warned against reckless behaviour.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
People who deliberately and illegally move animals, conceal infections or ignore restrictions are endangering the recovery of the entire livestock industry, Steenhuisen warns. “Where there is deliberate non-compliance, we will work with law enforcement authorities to ensure that the full force of the law is applied.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, the additional vaccine doses will enable authorities to respond to outbreaks and to limit the spread of the virus. Steenhuisen says the ministerial task team and stakeholders have compiled a hotspot map to identify high-risk areas where vaccine doses will be distributed first.
Quarantine measures, movement restrictions and surveillance will continue countrywide.
Also watch: Millions of FMD vaccine doses on the way
Vaccination in Mooi River
Steenhuisen will visit Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, 27 February, during a campaign to vaccinate dairy cows.
“The dairy industry is one of the sectors hardest hit, with significant production losses, disrupted markets, and farming families under incredible pressure,” he says.
“Every herd that is vaccinated means stability can return to the business, workers can earn wages again and milk can return to shop shelves.
“We are steadily moving from crisis management to control.”
Also read: Farmers called to complete application form for FMD vaccinations
FMD Helpline
The national Department of Agriculture has established a dedicated FMD control centre, and from Wednesday, 18 February, farmers can call the toll-free support line 0860 246 640 for advice on FMD.
The helpline provides information on:
- FMD symptoms
- Advice on movement control and permits
- Updates on vaccine availability and vaccinations
- Practical guidance on maintaining farm biosecurity
Also read and watch:
Joy as hardest hit KZN gets 200k doses of FMD vaccine
Here’s how the FMD vaccines will be rolled out
FMD | Biosecurity yes, roadblocks no – farmers advised on legal aspects of disease control
