Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive Expands Across uMkhanyakude as 20-Member Team Mobilises Livestock Protection Efforts

A large-scale animal health operation is currently underway in northern KwaZulu-Natal as veterinary teams intensify Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination efforts across multiple farming communities. A 20-member vaccination team has moved from the Jozini area to Big 5 Hlabisa and Inkosi Mtubatuba to begin a scheduled vaccination rollout running from 10 to 16 April 2026. The programme focuses on protecting livestock health, improving biosecurity and preventing further spread of Foot and Mouth Disease in key agricultural zones. These efforts form part of a coordinated provincial animal health response targeting high-risk farming communities. The operation highlights the importance of sustained vaccination programmes in safeguarding beef production and rural livelihoods.

The vaccination teams are operating within the uMkhanyakude District, a region that shares borders with Mozambique and eSwatini, increasing the need for strict disease control measures. Teams are equipped with vaccines manufactured by Dollvet from Türkiye, ensuring consistent supply and quality in the immunisation programme. These vaccines form part of the second batch received by the province, contributing to a total allocation of 560 thousand doses in this phase. The province has now received 760 thousand doses in total, including vaccines from both Dollvet and BioGenesis Bago. These doses have already supported vaccination completion in districts such as uGu and Harry Gwala, as well as selected areas in Amajuba, uThukela and uMgungundlovu.

To date, the vaccination programme has administered 130 807 doses across 123 dip tanks in uMhlabuyalingana and Jozini. These areas represent critical livestock zones where cattle farming plays a central role in household income and local food supply. The current phase is expected to significantly increase coverage as teams extend their reach into Big 5 Hlabisa and Inkosi Mtubatuba. Each of these municipalities will be serviced by 10 dedicated vaccination teams, working systematically through identified dip tanks. The target for this phase is approximately 55 thousand additional vaccine doses, aimed at strengthening herd immunity across the district.

The rollout structure has been divided into two operational groups to improve efficiency and coverage. Team One, consisting of members one to ten, is stationed in Inkosi Mtubatuba and is responsible for overseeing vaccination at designated dip tanks in that area. Team Two, made up of members eleven to twenty, is based in Big 5 Hlabisa, focusing on ensuring that cattle owners bring livestock for timely vaccination. These teams work closely with local animal health officers and farming communities to coordinate daily schedules. Farmers are advised to present their cattle at dip tanks by 6 am to ensure smooth processing and full coverage during each vaccination cycle.

The programme also includes direct support to private farming operations, with 24 beef-producing farms scheduled to receive on-site vaccination services. These farms play a key role in the commercial beef supply chain and require strict disease control measures to maintain productivity and market access. Veterinary teams are prioritising accessibility to ensure that both communal and private livestock owners benefit from the intervention. The approach reflects a combined effort to strengthen food security, protect livelihoods and reduce the economic impact of disease outbreaks. It also reinforces the importance of early detection and prevention in managing livestock diseases in high-risk border regions.

The Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive across uMkhanyakude represents a critical step in protecting the region’s livestock industry and stabilising rural agricultural economies. The deployment of 20 vaccination teams across Big 5 Hlabisa and Inkosi Mtubatuba shows a structured and targeted response to ongoing animal health challenges. With thousands of doses already administered and more scheduled, the programme continues to expand its reach across vulnerable farming areas. The involvement of international vaccine suppliers such as Dollvet and BioGenesis Bago strengthens the province’s capacity to respond effectively. As the rollout continues, farmers across the district are expected to play an active role by ensuring timely participation at dip tanks, supporting the overall success of the campaign.