South Africa has launched a significant 10-year vaccination campaign aimed at protecting nearly 20 million cattle from a fast-spreading outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This highly contagious disease poses a severe threat to the nation’s livestock industry and agricultural economy.
Objectives of the Vaccination Drive
- To curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease across vulnerable regions.
- To safeguard the health and productivity of cattle herds nationwide.
- To educate farmers on effective FMD prevention and control methods.
- To enhance economic resilience by protecting a key agricultural sector.
- To ensure food security through sustainable farming practices.
Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease
FMD causes severe symptoms in affected cattle, such as:
- High fever
- Painful blisters on the mouth and feet
- Lameness
These symptoms lead to a reduction in both meat and milk production, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and national food supply.
Government and Veterinary Collaboration
The South African government is collaborating closely with veterinary experts to ensure the vaccination program’s success. Authorities have called on farmers across the country to actively participate in the campaign to prevent further disease spread and livestock losses.
By implementing this large-scale immunization initiative, South Africa demonstrates its strong commitment to improving animal health and promoting sustainable agricultural development. For continuous updates on the campaign, stay tuned to Questiqa World News.
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