New FMD portal aims to support livestock export recovery
The South African Department of Agriculture has launched a digital portal to allow livestock owners to self-manage foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccinations. This initiative aims to improve disease traceability and support the recovery of the country's livestock export industry.
Why it matters
Effective disease management is critical for South Africa to regain international trade status and protect its agricultural economy.
The Department of Agriculture has launched an online self-vaccination application portal for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as part of efforts to regain South Africa's FMD-free status with vaccination and support the recovery of livestock exports.
The portal would enable livestock owners to apply for authorisation to vaccinate their own animals while providing government with the traceability and reporting data needed to support South Africa's application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), said Agriculture Minister, Willie Aucamp.
"The owners and managers of cattle will be able to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD. This step is only the beginning, and I can assure all stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture is committed to enabling the private sector to help tackle this FMD outbreak."
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