South Africa has launched a national livestock vaccination campaign in response to the escalating outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected one of the country’s major cattle producers and is disrupting the wider meat industry.
The campaign was officially launched on Monday at Karan Beef in Gauteng, one of South Africa’s largest cattle producers. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced that vaccinations were being carried out at the feedlot level for the first time.
“This is a critical step in containing the outbreak,” Steenhuisen said. “Karan Beef represents around 30% of the sector and the outbreak has caused operations to be shut down and price volatility.”
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. Although not usually fatal, it can cause fever, blisters and significant reductions in productivity, making it a major concern for the livestock sector.
Gauteng Chief Veterinarian Dr. Wynton Rabolao said the immediate priority is to reduce the spread of the virus and eventually lift the movement restrictions currently in place.
“The farm is under strict quarantine. No animals or products can enter or exit – not even those ready for slaughter,” Rabolao said. “The aim of the vaccination campaign is to reduce the viral load and control the disease as quickly as possible.”
South African authorities hope the campaign will help stabilize the sector, restore business and prevent further economic disruption while veterinary teams work to contain the outbreak.