50 000 more vaccine doses bolster Western Cape’s battle against foot-and-mouth disease | News24

The Western Cape’s battle to contain foot-and-mouth disease is intensifying with the arrival of a further 50 000 vaccine doses.

The Western Cape’s battle to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is intensifying with the arrival of a further 50 000 vaccine doses.

The additional 50 000 FMD vaccine doses arrived in the province with the assistance of Dairy Management Consulting and Nova Feeds.

Authorities say the expanded rollout is critical to protecting livestock herds and safeguarding jobs in one of the province’s key agricultural sectors as efforts shift towards a more coordinated national prevention strategy.

Around 155 000 vaccine doses have been given at 629 sites so far, with support from 29 private veterinarians.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the latest shipment would bolster the drive to vaccinate the province’s entire herd, and that the move was critical for the protection of the province’s economy and jobs.

Winde added that even though the outbreak was still under control, it was important to stay vigilant and work together.

Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Ivan Meyer, added: “We continue to prioritise the strengthening of systems that monitor and manage animal movement across the province. These controls are one of our most important lines of defence against the further spread of FMD.”

Recently, at a mass vaccination against FMD, the Department of Agriculture proposed a new national framework to formalise routine vaccination against FMD in South Africa.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the plan aimed to shift the country from reactive outbreak responses to a more preventive and organised system under the Animal Diseases Act, stabilising the livestock industry and improving disease control.

The scheme is currently open for public comment.