Mpumalanga Launches Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Campaign with New Veterinarians

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) in Mpumalanga will begin a major vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) this week. FMD is a highly contagious livestock disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, posing a significant threat to animal health and the agricultural sector. MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi confirmed that sufficient FMD vaccines have been supplied to the province, allowing the campaign to start in earnest in the Gert Sibande District this Friday. The initiative aims to protect livestock populations, prevent economic losses, and support farmers in maintaining healthy herds. The vaccination drive will focus on high-risk areas, with State Veterinary Offices coordinating the effort across municipalities.

MEC Moeketsi officially welcomed 21 veterinarians who are part of the Department’s Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme. These professionals have been deployed to State Vet Offices in all municipalities across Mpumalanga for a 12-month service period. Their arrival comes at a critical time as the province responds to the FMD outbreak. The CCS programme, which has been running for 11 years, ensures that far-flung rural communities benefit from veterinary expertise, strengthening animal health services and supporting the agricultural sector. These young veterinarians will be at the forefront of the vaccination campaign, providing essential support to farmers and livestock owners.

The FMD vaccination campaign will begin in Dipaleseng Local Municipality and expand to other municipalities in the Gert Sibande District. The veterinarians will not only administer vaccines but also conduct inspections, provide guidance on biosecurity measures, and monitor livestock health throughout the province. MEC Moeketsi emphasized the importance of their role in safeguarding animal health and mitigating the impact of contagious livestock diseases. The campaign will help stabilize the region’s livestock industry while promoting sustainable farming practices and community awareness about FMD prevention.

MEC Moeketsi encouraged the veterinarians to apply their skills with dedication, stressing that their service is vital to both commercial and smallholder farmers. She highlighted the importance of the CCS programme in strengthening veterinary services in rural areas and ensuring that professional expertise reaches communities where it is most needed. By combining the vaccination campaign with ongoing animal health monitoring, the Department aims to reduce the spread of FMD and protect livelihoods across Mpumalanga.

The vaccination campaign and CCS deployment represent a coordinated effort to safeguard animal health, support farmers, and maintain stability in the province’s livestock industry. Farmers are urged to cooperate with veterinary teams, ensure access to their livestock, and follow guidance provided during the campaign. Through these combined efforts, Mpumalanga aims to control the FMD outbreak effectively and build stronger veterinary support systems for the future.