KwaZulu Natal Agriculture Department Unveils Mass Vaccination Plan to Combat Foot and Mouth Disease

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched an ambitious operational plan for mass vaccination during a Provincial Stakeholder Engagement meeting held at Mfekayi Community Hall in Mtubatuba. The announcement was made by MEC Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha Mthethwa after consultations with key industry bodies including AFASA, Milk Producers Organisation, Red Meat Organization and KwaNalu. The plan targets rapid containment of Foot and Mouth Disease through structured vaccination and strict biosecurity controls. Officials outlined clear timelines, defined targets and measurable outcomes to protect the province’s livestock sector. The strategy aims to restore stability, protect market access and safeguard rural livelihoods.

The department plans to vaccinate 2,000 dip tanks within four to six months. This programme will cover the entire provincial cattle population of 2.45 million, including both communal and commercial herds. Vaccination will begin in district municipalities that border other provinces and neighbouring countries to reduce cross border transmission risks. A total of 45 vaccination teams will be deployed daily to meet the deadline. Officials will capture owner and animal details into the Livestock Identification and Traceability System to improve monitoring, compliance and traceability.

Speaking to livestock farmers from uMkhanyakude District, MEC kaMadlopha Mthethwa expressed confidence in the province’s veterinary services. She stated that the dedicated veterinary teams have the capacity to complete the mass vaccination programme on schedule. Movement restrictions on animals remain in force, with special permits required in disease management areas. The department is distributing antibiotics and disinfectants to strengthen farm level biosecurity. Farmers are advised to isolate new animals for 28 days before introducing them into existing herds.

Data collected in early February shows that 18,000 cattle have been sampled at farms and dip tanks across the province. The hardest hit districts include Amajuba with 6,187 cases, uThukela with 4,015 cases and uMgungundlovu with 2,281 cases. These figures highlight the urgency of coordinated vaccination and strict compliance with movement controls. Illegal animal movement remains a major risk factor in the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. Authorities have stressed that enforcement and cooperation from farmers will determine the success of containment efforts.

The MEC reassured farmers that vaccination will begin immediately once vaccine supplies arrive. The department continues to work closely with stakeholders to monitor commercial herds and ensure transparency throughout the process. Resources have been allocated to ensure daily deployment of teams and consistent reporting from affected districts. Farmers are urged to comply fully with regulations and report symptoms early to veterinary authorities. Through structured vaccination, accurate data capture and strong biosecurity practices, the province aims to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease and stabilise the livestock industry.