Government has allocated R1.4 billion to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease across the country, with additional funding requested to support ongoing containment measures.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen confirmed that the state will cover the full cost of vaccinating livestock as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at limiting the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Steenhuisen said vaccines sourced from Argentina and Turkey are already being distributed across various provinces, with authorities targeting the vaccination of around 80% of livestock by December.
Meanwhile, Premier Alan Winde said efforts are intensifying in the province to protect its agricultural sector, which remains a key economic driver.
According to Winde, 41,019 vaccine doses have already been administered at 239 vaccination sites across the province. In addition, 29 private veterinarians have joined the vaccination campaign to boost capacity.
The premier added that multiple provincial departments are working closely with municipalities to monitor livestock movement and enforce stricter controls on major transport routes.
“We’ve also got private vets now registered in the system and helping us ensure that vaccinations reach all areas of the province, particularly those identified as high risk, so that we can mitigate and manage foot-and-mouth disease,” Winde said.
VOC News
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