South Africa has initiated a major 10-year vaccination campaign aimed at protecting nearly 20 million cattle from a rapidly spreading foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. This highly contagious disease poses a significant threat to cattle herds and can result in severe economic losses for farmers and the livestock industry.
Details of the Vaccination Campaign
The campaign, which began on February 12, 2026, seeks to control and eventually eradicate foot-and-mouth disease from South Africa. The government is collaborating closely with veterinary services, farmers, and local communities to vaccinate cattle in both affected and neighboring areas.
Key components of the campaign include:
- Systematic vaccination of nearly 20 million cattle
- Routine monitoring to detect new cases quickly
- Rapid response protocols to contain outbreaks and prevent further spread
Importance of the Initiative
This nationwide effort underscores South Africa’s commitment to:
- Protect its agricultural sector from devastating disease effects
- Maintain compliance with international trade standards by minimizing FMD outbreaks that can lead to trade restrictions
- Improve livestock health and secure farmer incomes
- Support overall stability in the agricultural economy
Call for Cooperation
The government urges all cattle owners to collaborate fully with the vaccination teams to ensure comprehensive coverage. Ongoing vigilance and active participation will be crucial to successfully combating foot-and-mouth disease over the next decade.
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