Eastern Cape Accelerates Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination as Over 63,000 Cattle Immunized in One Week

The Eastern Cape has intensified its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease after vaccinating more than 63,000 cattle within a single week. The rapid vaccination campaign began shortly after the first 150,000 doses of the Biogénesis Bagó foot and mouth vaccine from Argentina arrived in the province late last week. This emergency intervention reflects the urgent need to protect livestock and safeguard the agricultural economy in the region. Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most serious threats to livestock production because it spreads quickly and can cause severe economic losses for farmers. By launching a large scale vaccination effort, provincial authorities aim to prevent outbreaks and protect the province’s significant cattle population.

The provincial Department of Agriculture confirmed that it has placed an order for 1.05 million vaccines through the state owned designated supplier, Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd. This procurement follows the R55 million emergency funding that was allocated by the provincial treasury last month to support disease control measures. The funding allows the department to expand vaccination coverage and strengthen animal health services across the province. Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease and protecting both commercial and communal livestock systems. Securing sufficient vaccine supply is therefore essential for maintaining stability in the livestock industry.

Vaccination teams made up of veterinary officials, animal health technicians and agricultural extension officers are working continuously to reach farmers and livestock owners. These teams are currently vaccinating an average of about 12,000 cattle each day across various districts in the province. Their efforts include visiting communal grazing areas, commercial farms and rural villages where cattle play a vital role in household livelihoods. The campaign focuses on rapid response and wide coverage to ensure that vulnerable herds receive protection as soon as possible. This coordinated approach reflects the importance of collaboration between veterinary services and farming communities in controlling animal diseases.

The rollout strategy prioritizes high risk areas, particularly municipalities located along provincial borders where animal movement increases the likelihood of disease transmission. From these border zones, vaccination teams are gradually moving inward to cover additional hotspot areas identified through veterinary surveillance. The Eastern Cape has an estimated cattle population of about 3.5 million animals, making disease prevention a major responsibility for the agricultural sector. Protecting this large herd is critical not only for farmers but also for the broader food supply chain and rural economies. Effective vaccination programs help reduce the risk of livestock losses and maintain confidence in the agricultural industry.

The recent vaccine consignment also complements earlier disease control efforts in the province. In mid February, approximately 2,600 doses from the Agricultural Research Council were deployed in targeted areas. These vaccines were used at a communal farm in Kouga to protect nearby dairy farms that play an important role in the local economy. Preventing the spread of the disease in dairy producing areas was essential to avoid disruptions in milk production and potential job losses within the agricultural sector. Early interventions such as these demonstrate the importance of quick response strategies when dealing with highly contagious livestock diseases.

The Eastern Cape’s vaccination campaign represents a strong commitment to protecting livestock health and strengthening agricultural resilience. By mobilizing veterinary teams, securing vaccine supplies and prioritizing high risk areas, the province is taking decisive action against Foot and Mouth Disease. The effort highlights how coordinated government support and rapid disease control measures can safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. Continued vaccination and surveillance will remain critical as the province works to protect its large cattle population. Sustained commitment to animal health programs will help ensure a stable livestock industry, support food security and strengthen the long term sustainability of agriculture in the Eastern Cape.