MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi Launches Mass FMD Vaccination Drive in Mpumalanga

MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi has urged cattle farmers in Mpumalanga to actively support government efforts to contain Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). She officially launched a provincial mass vaccination campaign at a communal livestock farm in Siyathemba Location, Balfour, signaling the start of a coordinated effort to curb the spread of the disease. The vaccination program will extend to other districts in the province, targeting areas identified as high-risk to prevent further outbreaks. Approximately 80 farmers from Balfour and Grootvlei attended the launch, receiving guidance on how to assist veterinary teams in implementing the program effectively. MEC Moeketsi stressed the importance of farmers reporting any FMD-related symptoms to the nearest State Veterinary facility without delay.

Balfour has been identified as the epicentre of FMD in Mpumalanga, with around 35 confirmed outbreaks, while the Gert Sibande District remains the most affected area in the province, recording over 149 outbreaks across local municipalities. The mass vaccination campaign is a critical step in preventing additional spread and minimizing economic losses for farmers. MEC Moeketsi emphasized that farmers must cooperate with veterinary services, follow animal movement restrictions, and adhere to recommended disease management practices. Maintaining consistent communication with veterinary officials is key to ensuring rapid response to any new cases and protecting livestock across the province.

The launch in Balfour highlights the government’s proactive approach to tackling FMD, combining vaccination, monitoring, and community engagement. MEC Moeketsi called on farmers to remain vigilant, check their herds regularly, and promptly report any signs of disease. State Veterinary teams will continue to monitor vaccinated herds, provide guidance on quarantine measures, and support farmers in maintaining biosecurity standards. This comprehensive approach aims to limit the impact of FMD and strengthen Mpumalanga’s livestock sector against future outbreaks. Farmers’ cooperation is central to the success of the campaign, ensuring the province can control the disease and protect both local communities and the broader agricultural economy.

The provincial FMD vaccination initiative demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding animal health and sustaining the livelihoods of cattle farmers in Mpumalanga. MEC Moeketsi reiterated that collective action is essential, emphasizing that farmers, government, and veterinary services must work together. By implementing strict biosecurity measures and reporting suspected cases promptly, Mpumalanga can reduce the risk of further outbreaks and maintain a healthy, productive livestock population. The campaign will continue across the province, focusing on both high-risk areas and communities where farmers have been identified as crucial partners in disease prevention.