A successful start to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination campaign in KwaZulu-Natal’s Ugu District has seen 11 000 cattle immunised on the opening day, with the programme now expanding to additional municipalities.

The impressive first-day turnout at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s dip tanks in Port Shepstone has set a positive tone for the mass vaccination initiative, which moved into its second day (27 February) in the uMuziwabantu Local Municipality around Harding.

Strong Stakeholder Collaboration Drives Success

Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, MEC for the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, attributed the programme’s early success to excellent cooperation between livestock farmers’ associations, private veterinary services and state veterinarians.

“The tremendous response from livestock owners bringing their animals to our dip tanks gives us great confidence that we will achieve our vaccination targets despite the critical situation we face,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. “Recent recruitment of additional veterinary support staff has strengthened our capacity to deliver this vital programme.”

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Ambitious Targets For Day Two

Friday’s operations in uMuziwabantu are anticipated to draw between 12 000 and 15 000 cattle to vaccination points, potentially surpassing yesterday’s already impressive numbers.

Dr Qiniso Mkhatshwa, State Veterinarian overseeing the Ugu District, praised the dedication shown by all participants despite challenging weather conditions. “We commend farmers for their cooperation even with heavy rainfall, and our animal health technicians deserve recognition for their commitment to serving communities in need,” Dr Mkhatshwa stated.

Also read: FMD | ‘I have no more tears left to cry’ – pig producer

Programme Continues Across District

The vaccination campaign will progress to uMzumbe on Saturday, with district-wide efforts scheduled to continue through Tuesday. Commercial farmers requiring veterinary visits for vaccination purposes can arrange appointments for Monday and Tuesday, 2-3 March respectively.

The initiative represents a crucial intervention in protecting the region’s livestock industry and maintaining agricultural sector sustainability in KwaZulu-Natal.