Africazine:
South Africa is ramping up its vaccination efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, aiming for herd immunity.
The country plans to vaccinate 80% of its estimated 14 million cattle. As of May 28, nearly 4.4 million animals have been vaccinated, with 13.5 million doses procured since late February and an additional 4 million expected soon.
South Africa’s Urgent Vaccination Campaign
The vaccination drive is a response to a crisis affecting the livestock sector, exacerbated by the threat of El Niño. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the need for a shift from reactive measures to a proactive biosecurity model. This approach aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage livestock health effectively.
KwaZulu-Natal is at the forefront of the vaccination effort, with over 1.1 million animals vaccinated. Other provinces, including the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, have also made significant progress, with 720,000 and 430,000 animals vaccinated, respectively.
South Africa: Key figures on foot-and-mouth disease vaccination
- 80% vaccination goal for 14 million cattle
- 4.4 million animals vaccinated as of May 28
- 13.5 million doses procured since late February
- 4 million additional doses expected
- R494-million spent on vaccine procurement and deployment
Challenges and Future Steps in Vaccination Efforts
The government is working to secure extensive vaccine supply chains and enhance diagnostic and surveillance systems. Engaging with trading partners is crucial to maintain confidence in South Africa’s animal health systems and facilitate continued trade under risk management measures.
As the vaccination campaign progresses, the government faces the challenge of rising feed costs and potential livestock culling due to drought conditions. The ongoing crisis underscores the importance of a robust response to safeguard the livestock sector.
Next Steps in the Vaccination Drive
- Continue vaccination efforts across all provinces
- Monitor the impact of El Niño on livestock
- Engage further with trading partners to ensure market access
South Africa is taking decisive action to protect its cattle from foot-and-mouth disease through an extensive vaccination campaign.
