The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s veterinary services have accomplished one of the biggest assignments yet in the fight against the devastating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak by concluding vaccinations in the uMkhanyakude District.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The district encompasses four local municipalities – uMhlabuyalingana, Jozini, Inkosi Mtubatuba and Big 5 Hlabisa – all boasting the province’s biggest communal cattle herd with a census of about 200 000 head.
Exceeding National Vaccination Targets
The department said in line with the national vaccination targets of vaccinating over 80 percent coverage, the veterinary-led teams overshot their target by vaccinating over 86 percent of the district’s cattle population.
According to the department, a total of 20 teams administered 172 649 doses across 180 dip tanks and 24 private beef production farms using vaccines produced by Dollvet from Türkiye, targeting the FMD SAT 1, 2, and 3 strains prevalent in the district.
Also read: FMD vaccinations: ‘KZN will be ready to roll immediately’ – public/private stakeholders
Advanced Livestock Tracking System
Nearly 42 000 animals in the district have been branded with green ear tags through the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), indicating their proximity to wildlife reserves. LITS offers an animal its unique chip. The system has been hailed as a great innovation in tracking an animal’s history in terms of its breed, origin and owner’s details, as well as tackling stock theft.
Vaccination Results by Municipality
Mtubatuba
18 304 cattle vaccinated
Big 5 Hlabisa
25 191 cattle vaccinated
uMhlabuyalingana
56 448 total vaccinated
Jozini
74 359 total vaccinated
Next Phase: Zululand District
The teams are expected to head to the Zululand District next to begin their vaccinations in all five local municipalities.
Also read: FMD | Next batch of ARC’s locally produced vaccines signals rise in production
