KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Gauteng, the Free State and the North West have been earmarked to receive the first batches of the high-potency Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines.
The consignment arrived at the O.R Tambo Airport on Saturday from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina.
More vaccines are expected to arrive in the country in the next few weeks with over five million vaccines in SA by the end of March.
Speaking shortly after the arrival of the vaccines, Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, added that additional doses will allow authorities to scale up from targeted outbreak response to broader suppression of viral circulation in high-risk regions.
“KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Gauteng, Free State and North West, while high-risk and border regions will follow structured vaccination programmes,” he said.
Steenhuisen said those in the industry will still have to abide by quarantine rules, movement permits and biosecurity measures.
“Those who deliberately move animals illegally, conceal infections, or ignore restrictions threaten the recovery of the entire sector.
“Where there is wilful non-compliance, we will work with law-enforcement authorities and the full might of the law will be applied,” Steenhuisen said.
To better support our farming community, the department has established a dedicated FMD Control Centre. Starting this Wednesday, farmers can access a toll-free support line for expert guidance on FMD.
Toll-Free FMD Support Line: 0860 246 640
IOL
Se-Anne Rall
iol.co.za
