South Africa has initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign to combat a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affecting its cattle herds. The government officially commenced this 10-year program on February 15, 2026, targeting the vaccination of nearly 20 million cattle nationwide.
Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease spreads rapidly among livestock and causes serious health complications. This outbreak has posed a significant threat to the livestock industry’s stability and jeopardized the livelihoods of many farmers across South Africa. The ongoing vaccination effort aims to safeguard the cattle population, help control the spread of the disease, and ensure the sustainability of food production.
Program Details and Goals
The Department of Agriculture has underscored the importance of collaboration between farmers and veterinary services to achieve the program’s success. The vaccination campaign:
- Covers multiple regions of the country
- Targets high-risk zones to effectively reduce disease transmission
- Aims to restore confidence in the cattle market
- Seeks to improve livestock health and productivity
Significance for South Africa’s Agriculture
This extensive initiative represents one of the most impactful efforts in recent history to protect South Africa’s agricultural sector, which is a core component of the national economy. Authorities remain optimistic about the program’s potential to mitigate losses and support farmers during this critical period.
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