KZN completes FMD vaccinations in eThekwini as campaign surpasses 1.1 million animals

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reached another milestone in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), successfully completing vaccinations in the eThekwini Municipality, making it the sixth district to conclude the campaign.

By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming

According to the department, a total of 21 209 animals were vaccinated across 89 dip tanks in areas including uMlazi, Adams Mission, Inanda, uMbumbulu, uThongathi and Hazelmere. Veterinary teams also ear-tagged 20 428 animals as part of disease control and traceability measures.

The achievement forms part of the province’s mass vaccination programme launched in late February this year to curb the spread of FMD and protect livestock production. The department said the campaign has now surpassed 1.1 million vaccinated animals across KwaZulu-Natal, with vaccination efforts completed in the districts of uGu, Harry Gwala, uMkhanyakude, Zululand, uMgungundlovu and eThekwini.

Also read: More than 29 000 cattle ear-tagged in FMD vaccination drive in uMgungundlovu District

Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa (left), KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, and a veterinary technician vaccinate cattle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) during a livestock health intervention in the province. Photo: Supplied

Disease control efforts continue

The vaccination programme remains a key component of the province’s strategy to contain and manage outbreaks of the highly contagious livestock disease, which poses a significant threat to cattle production and market access. Alongside vaccinations, veterinary officials have been conducting ear-tagging and livestock identification activities to strengthen animal traceability and support disease surveillance efforts.

The department has repeatedly urged livestock owners to cooperate with veterinary teams and adhere to all disease control measures aimed at protecting the livestock sector.

Also read: FMD will only be eradicated through mass vaccination in 6-8 week time period

uThukela next in line

With eThekwini now complete, attention will shift to the uThukela District, where vaccinations are scheduled to take place from 19 June to 11 July 2026. The campaign will cover the local municipalities of oKhahlamba, Inkosi Langalibalele and Alfred Duma.

The department said uThukela has a cattle population exceeding 200 000 animals spread across 320 designated dip tanks, making it one of the province’s most significant livestock-producing districts. Officials expect the vaccination programme in uThukela to further strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s efforts to contain FMD and safeguard the province’s livestock industry.

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