The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West province has administered 86% of its Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines.
“The department confirms that 129,808 doses out of the 150,000 vaccines allocated have been administered, representing 86% usage. While this marks steady progress in the vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the department acknowledges that more work lies ahead to ensure full coverage across all affected areas,” it said in a statement on Friday.
This as the province has 210 confirmed cases of FMD that have been reported across its municipalities.
“The majority of these reported cases involve cattle, with 206 cases,” said the department, adding that there were three cases reported in pigs and a single case in goats.
According to the department, the highest number of cases was recorded in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District with 62 animals, followed by the Bojanala District with 59 animals.
“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, 49 animals were affected, while Ngaka Modiri Molema District reported 40 animals. These figures highlight the spread of the disease across species and districts, reinforcing the urgency of continued vaccination and vigilance.
“Additional vaccine consignments are expected soon, which will allow the department to extend coverage and strengthen disease control measures. The campaign remains focused on vaccinating confirmed positive animals, ring vaccination around buffalo farms, protecting dairy herds, and mass vaccination of cloven-hoofed animals across the province,” the department said.
Farmers have been encouraged to use permanent ear-tags with unique numbers to help speed up the identification and vaccination of animals.
Farmers and stakeholders are also urged to report any suspicion of FMD immediately to local veterinarians or animal health technicians. Early reporting and cooperation remain vital in preventing further spread and protecting the province’s agricultural sector.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha has expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of farmers during this challenging period.
He assured farming communities that every farmer and every animal will be covered as more vaccine doses arrive and emphasised that the department remains committed to working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to contain the outbreak and safeguard livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za
