Gauteng's agriculture department has intensified its battle against the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa, launching large-scale vaccinations as cases climb to 228, impacting over 260,000 animals. Officials say the increase reflects enhanced surveillance rather than rapid spread, building on national efforts to contain the disease across provinces.
Gauteng MEC for Agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa detailed the province's progress during a media briefing on its four-pillar rapid response plan: contain outbreaks, enforce restrictions, vaccinate livestock, and communicate with stakeholders.
Confirmed cases have risen to 228, an increase of 55 since the January update, affecting more than 260,000 animals province-wide. Ramokgopa attributed this to proactive surveillance and case-finding, not uncontrolled transmission.
"Containment has been our first line of defence in the absence of additional vaccines until now," she said. With newly secured vaccines now available, inoculation efforts are scaling up significantly.
Key measures include a new provincial animal movement control framework to regulate livestock transport into and out of Gauteng.
Separately, KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa announced that 20 teams will start vaccinating cattle in the Ugu District next week, followed by the Harry Gwala District.