Zuko Komisa
- Minister John Steenhuisen announced a new, nationwide vaccination strategy to combat South Africa’s severe Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
- The comprehensive plan involves inoculating the entire national cattle herd, starting with the hardest-hit provinces.
- The initiative aims to secure international recognition (“freedom with vaccination status”) and requires consistent vaccine supply and international technical partnerships.
The South African government has unveiled an ambitious, nationwide strategy to curb the country’s severe Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday that the Department will initiate a comprehensive, phased plan to vaccinate the entire national cattle herd.
Speaking at the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) conference, the Minister stated this critical initiative is designed to allow South Africa to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for “freedom with vaccination status”.
The rollout will initially target the worst-affected provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West.
The successful execution of the plan, Steenhuisen noted, is dependent on securing a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.
Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Thabile Nkunjana, Senior Agricultural Economist, National Agricultural Marketing Council about SA’s bold plan to vaccinate every cow.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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