Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, will spearhead continuing efforts to roll out the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine campaign, with a visit to Katlehong on Saturday.
This is part of government’s robust, multi-pronged strategy to protect the national livestock herd and ensure food security, with a nationwide mass vaccination campaign.
“This ongoing vaccination rollout forms part of government’s urgent response to curb the spread of FMD, a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
“The campaign aims to reach as many farmers and livestock owners as possible, reducing economic losses and ensuring food security,” the department said in a statement.
A consignment of 1.5 million vaccines was received last week.
READ | Turkish FMD vaccines arrival scales up national vaccination drive
“This successful importation of Dollvet FMD vaccines from Turkey, facilitated by Dunevax Biotech as the authorised agent, highlights government’s decisive partnership with the private sector to secure a reliable pipeline of high-potency vaccines in South Africa’s fight against FMD,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
