uGu District Achieves Major Milestone in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive

Veterinary Services in KwaZulu-Natal are making significant progress in the fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) through a mass cattle vaccination campaign, exceeding expectations by vaccinating more than 30,000 cattle in the first three days within the uGu District. The district, which has 150 dip tanks, is expected to accommodate between 45,000 and 60,000 cattle across the Ray Nkonyeni, uMuziwabantu, and uMzumbe local municipalities. Veterinary teams continue to deploy strategically, with the Mdoni Local Municipality scheduled for vaccination on Sunday, 01 March, followed by private farms on Monday and Tuesday. The campaign is set to extend next to the Harry Gwala District, as part of the province-wide plan to vaccinate roughly 2,200 dip tanks and private farms housing approximately 2.5 million cattle, the second-largest cattle population in the country after the Eastern Cape. This rapid deployment demonstrates both the efficiency of the veterinary teams and the urgency of curbing the spread of FMD across the province.

At Mehlomnyama Diptank under the uMzumbe Local Municipality, MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, led the vaccination drive and confirmed that the programme is proceeding according to plan. The initial success reflects careful planning, coordination with local farmers, and effective logistics to reach a high number of cattle in a short period. The use of BioGenesis Bago vaccines has been central to the campaign, providing sufficient doses for the uGu and Harry Gwala districts, which are currently free from the FMD SAT 3 strain. MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa emphasized that upcoming shipments exceeding 400,000 doses, delivered in weekly tranches, will enable vaccination in seven additional districts, including northern KwaZulu-Natal areas such as uMkhanyakude and Zululand, where SAT 3 suspicions have been reported. This phased approach ensures that resources are efficiently allocated while maintaining high coverage and protection across the province.

The vaccination programme is informed by science-based research and focuses on areas adjacent to game reserves where buffalo populations, known carriers of the SAT 3 strain, pose a higher risk of disease transmission. By prioritizing high-risk zones, veterinary teams can contain potential outbreaks before they spread to commercial and communal farms. MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa noted that the second batch of vaccines will provide critical protection for all districts, reinforcing herd immunity and safeguarding the livestock sector. The province’s proactive strategy combines vaccination, monitoring, and coordination with farmers to ensure that both dip tanks and private farms are fully covered. These measures are vital to protecting livelihoods, maintaining cattle productivity, and supporting food security in KwaZulu-Natal.

The success in uGu District represents a major milestone in KwaZulu-Natal’s fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated mass vaccination campaigns. With continued deployment to remaining districts, careful monitoring of high-risk areas, and the ongoing delivery of vaccines, the provincial government is positioned to control the spread of FMD efficiently. The programme also highlights the importance of using research-based strategies, targeting vulnerable areas, and ensuring sufficient vaccine supply to prevent future outbreaks. Through the dedication of veterinary teams, support from local farmers, and strategic planning, KwaZulu-Natal is making significant strides toward protecting its large cattle population and maintaining stability in the agricultural sector. The campaign sets a strong example for managing animal health crises at scale, ensuring livestock safety and long-term economic resilience.