How efficient will the new FMD authorisation system be for farmers?

Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, has launched a self-vaccination application portal for livestock owners in an effort to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The live system provides crucial control to farmers, allowing them to apply for official authorisation to vaccinate their own animals and prevent potential FMD outbreaks faster than before. “The launch of this system means that the owners and managers of cattle will be able to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD,” Aucamp noted.

Livestock owners are now able to register on the FMD reporting site by following the requirements outlined in the step-by-step guidelines. He added that the system was designed in line with biosecurity requirements, legal prescripts, and conditions, including traceability and reporting on vaccinations that were applied. Once they are approved as an “Authorised Person”, they will be required to give notice of their intention to vaccinate to the Provincial Director of Veterinary Services or the applicable State Veterinarian for the area concerned. After the authorised persons have given notice of their intention to vaccinate, they will be able to obtain the required vaccines directly from their authorised veterinarian in their area.