An animal health specialist from the University of KwaZulu-Natal has urged cattle farmers to maintain strict biosecurity measures, warning that vaccination alone will not fully prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Dr Ntuthuko Mkhize was reacting to the first phase of the province’s mass vaccination campaign, which has seen KwaZulu-Natal allocated 200,000 vaccine doses following a severe outbreak.
The province, considered the epicentre of the disease nationally, began inoculating cattle this week as authorities attempt to curb infections and protect the agricultural sector.
During a recent media briefing, KZN Agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa warned against the illegal movement of livestock, saying such practices risk accelerating the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Mkhize echoed those concerns, stressing that farmers should continue enforcing movement controls and established safety protocols even after animals are vaccinated.
He explained that the current vaccine only offers protection against certain strains of the virus, leaving cattle vulnerable to others.
“Farmers must continue practising biosecurity measures and avoid any uncontrolled or unauthorised movement of animals,” he said. “We are dealing with multiple strains, and vaccination does not mean full protection.”
Mkhize also called on farmers to cooperate closely with authorities, noting that FMD is a state-controlled disease that must be reported immediately when detected.
Under current regulations, once a case is identified on a farm, the state assumes responsibility for containment and eradication efforts.
He warned that failure to follow protocols could have serious economic consequences, including losses for farmers and broader impacts on the livestock industry.
“Working with government is essential to protect both animal health and the sustainability of the sector,” he added.
Officials say continued vigilance and compliance will be critical to stopping the outbreak before it spreads further.