KZN vaccinates over 50,000 animals in five days to curb FMD

KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to ramp up efforts to contain Foot-and-Mouth disease, vaccinating over 50 000 animals in just five days as part of an ongoing campaign. The department said it’s also maintaining a steady supply of dipping chemicals to its 2 286 dip tanks, a move that MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said is critical in protecting animal health and preventing the spread of parasites and disease. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said regular dipping remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to control ticks and other parasites that threaten livestock.

She was speaking during oversight visits to dip tanks in the King Cetshwayo and iLembe districts, where mass vaccination campaigns are currently under way targeting close to 200 000 animals. Figures released by the department show that by July 26, vaccination teams had inoculated 53 974 animals, with 39 445 in King Cetshwayo and 14 529 in iLembe. However, farmers have raised concerns about water shortages, particularly during winter, as well as the size of some dip tanks, which exceed the standard 17 500-litre capacity and require more chemicals to operate effectively.

“As a farmer myself, one of my main mandates when I was appointed MEC for this department was to see to it that all our dip tanks were stocked with acaricides (dipping chemicals),” she said. Regular dipping remains one of the most effective and affordable methods for farmers to protect livestock against ticks, lice, mites, and flies. “It also reduces the spread of tick-borne diseases that impact cattle, sheep, and goats.” KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the department is considering interventions, including the possible provision of boreholes in water-scarce areas, subject to feasibility studies.