KZN steps up FMD vaccination drive with mop-up campaign
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture has launched a mop-up vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to cover livestock missed in earlier phases, particularly in areas like Karkloof. The province aims to achieve an 80% vaccination target, with national efforts securing 17 million vaccine doses to support the response.
Why it matters
This campaign is crucial for controlling the spread of FMD, protecting the livestock industry, and ensuring food security in South Africa, directly impacting farmers' livelihoods and the broader economy.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture has intensified its response to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) with a mop-up vaccination campaign targeting livestock missed during earlier phases of the rollout.
The latest phase of the campaign began in the Karkloof area of uMngeni Municipality yesterday, where about 150 cattle were vaccinated.
Veterinary teams are expected to continue operations in Lidgetton and Dargle as the department works to close the remaining gaps in coverage.
Department spokesperson Vusi Khumalo said some areas were not covered during the mass vaccination campaign, which included private and communal farms in parts of the uMgungundlovu District, including uMngeni, Msunduzi and Mpofana.
Khumalo said some farmers did not bring their cattle for vaccination, while some farms under the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD) programme were omitted during the first phase.
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