The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting about 2.5 million cattle in an effort to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the province.
Authorities say more than 54,000 cattle have already been vaccinated since the campaign began, with the first phase rolled out in the Ugu District Municipality two weeks ago.
Provincial agriculture spokesperson Vusi Khumalo said the programme forms part of a broader effort to protect livestock across the province, which is among the hardest hit by the outbreak.
“During our mass vaccination, in total under Ugu District, we have had more than 54,000 doses administered to cattle,” Khumalo said.
The second phase of the vaccination campaign is set to begin in the Harry Gwala District Municipality on Tuesday, an area known for its large number of milk producers.
Khumalo said the district includes more than 130 dairy producers, along with approximately 150 cattle belonging to the communal farming sector.
He urged both commercial and communal farmers to participate in the programme so that their livestock can be vaccinated.
“Our main aim is to vaccinate all cattle in the province. That is about 2.5 million,” he said.
Khumalo added that the department aims to complete the vaccination of all cattle within the next 12 months.
The province received an initial batch of vaccines last month, with around 200,000 doses administered so far. The vaccines form part of a one-million-dose order from Argentine manufacturer BioGenesis Bago.
Another shipment of approximately 500,000 doses from a Turkish manufacturer is also expected to arrive soon.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs. The disease can severely impact livestock health and agricultural production.
Farmers in the province have previously warned about the damaging effects of the disease, noting that infected cattle can suddenly become unable to walk and may suffer severe hoof damage.