Cabinet backs mass vaccination drive as 900,000 doses ordered to curb foot-and-mouth outbreak

The government has ordered more than 900,000 doses of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in an urgent bid to contain the outbreak affecting KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the emergency procurement during a media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, following a Cabinet meeting the day before.

“The department has ordered over 900,000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon,” Ntshavheni said, adding that Cabinet welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture.

The outbreak, which has raised alarms among livestock farmers and agricultural exporters, has been worsened by illegal livestock movements into Gauteng.

“Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province,” Ntshavheni said.

Infected properties have been placed under strict quarantine, and all livestock movements in and out of these zones have been prohibited.

“All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms,” she said.

“Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.”

To strengthen biosecurity and improve readiness for future outbreaks, a national biosecurity council will be established. It will include representatives from the SAPS, veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority, and industry stakeholders.

Ntshavheni said the council is expected to improve coordination and risk management across the sector.

Cabinet remains confident that the interventions will curb the spread of FMD and safeguard the agricultural economy.

IOL News

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