Over 300 Cattle Vaccinated in Hazyview as South Africa Leads Regional Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

A major livestock health intervention is underway in Hazyview in Mpumalanga where more than 300 cattle are being vaccinated as part of the 7th nationwide Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination drive. The initiative is part of a coordinated effort to strengthen animal health systems and protect the livestock industry from one of its most damaging diseases. Foot-and-mouth disease continues to pose a serious threat to cattle farming, trade access and rural livelihoods across Southern Africa. The vaccination drive brings together government leaders, veterinary experts and regional partners to contain outbreaks and improve long-term disease control. It also reflects the growing urgency to safeguard food systems and maintain stable livestock production in a region where agriculture remains a key economic driver.

The campaign is being led by South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, alongside key regional stakeholders. Among them is Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Ms Khethiwe Moeketsi, who has played a central role in coordinating provincial livestock health efforts. The initiative also includes participation from Minister Mandla Tshawuka of the Kingdom of Eswatini and representatives from Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries. Their joint presence highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in managing livestock diseases that do not respect national boundaries. The vaccination drive is not an isolated activity but part of a broader regional strategy focused on prevention, monitoring and rapid response.

At the centre of the campaign is a strong focus on disease prevention through vaccination, which remains one of the most effective tools for controlling Foot-and-mouth disease. By vaccinating cattle in high-risk areas such as Hazyview, authorities aim to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks that can spread quickly through livestock populations. Veterinary teams are working directly with farmers to ensure animals are properly immunised and monitored after vaccination. This approach helps reduce economic losses that farmers often experience when herds are infected or quarantined. It also supports long-term herd health and improves productivity across the livestock sector. The current drive demonstrates how proactive veterinary care can protect both individual farmers and national agricultural systems.

Animal movement control is another critical component of the initiative, as uncontrolled movement of livestock can accelerate the spread of disease across districts and borders. Authorities are reinforcing regulations that track and regulate the movement of cattle, especially in high-risk areas. This includes monitoring transport routes, livestock markets and farm-to-farm movements to ensure compliance with biosecurity standards. Traceability systems are also being strengthened to allow faster identification of infected or exposed animals if outbreaks occur. These measures are essential for limiting the scale of any potential infection and reducing the time required for containment. Strong movement control systems are widely recognised as a cornerstone of effective livestock disease management.

Surveillance and early detection efforts are also being intensified as part of the broader regional response strategy. Veterinary teams are conducting regular inspections and monitoring livestock health indicators in farms and communal grazing areas. Early warning systems allow authorities to respond quickly when symptoms are detected, preventing further spread. Data collection and reporting have become increasingly important tools in tracking disease patterns and identifying high-risk zones. These systems help improve decision-making and ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. Enhanced surveillance also supports long-term planning for animal health services and emergency preparedness.

The collaboration between South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique reflects a wider commitment within the Southern African Development Community to strengthen livestock health systems. With SADC Agriculture Ministers preparing to meet in Victoria Falls later this month, regional cooperation is expected to remain a key focus. The goal is to align strategies that protect livestock, improve trade access and strengthen the region’s position in global agricultural markets. Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks can severely limit export opportunities for meat products, making coordinated control measures essential for economic growth. By working together, member states aim to create a more stable and competitive livestock industry across the region.

Livestock farming plays a vital role in rural economies across South Africa, supporting thousands of farmers who depend on cattle for income, food production and cultural value. Disease outbreaks not only affect animal health but also disrupt market supply chains and reduce household earnings. Vaccination programmes such as this one provide direct protection for farmers by reducing the risk of herd losses and trade restrictions. They also contribute to improved food security by ensuring a stable supply of meat and dairy products. For many rural communities, healthy livestock represent financial stability and long-term economic resilience.

The Hazyview vaccination drive also highlights the importance of public-private and regional cooperation in managing agricultural risks. Government departments, veterinary services and neighbouring countries are working together to share resources, knowledge and technical expertise. This coordinated approach improves efficiency and ensures that disease control efforts are consistent across borders. It also strengthens trust between farming communities and agricultural authorities. By combining efforts, the region is better positioned to respond to outbreaks quickly and effectively. This level of collaboration is essential for maintaining strong agricultural systems in an increasingly interconnected world.

As the vaccination drive continues, more than 300 cattle are expected to be protected in this phase alone, contributing to wider national and regional disease control goals. The initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to livestock health that prioritises prevention over reaction. It also reinforces the importance of science-based agriculture in managing risks and supporting rural development. Farmers benefit directly through healthier herds, improved productivity and better access to formal markets. The long-term impact of these efforts extends beyond animal health, influencing trade, food security and rural livelihoods.

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination campaign in Hazyview represents a critical step in strengthening livestock health systems across Southern Africa. Through coordinated action, improved surveillance and consistent vaccination programmes, authorities are building a more resilient agricultural sector. The involvement of regional partners underscores the shared responsibility of protecting livestock and supporting economic stability. As Southern Africa continues to position itself as a competitive supplier of high-quality meat products, disease control will remain central to that ambition. The success of initiatives like this one shows that collaboration, preparation and strong veterinary systems are key to securing the future of livestock farming in the region.