FMD vaccinations intensify

Over 15 thousand cattle receive lifesaving doses as FMD vaccinations continue in northern KZN

April 7, 2026

Muzi Zincume 1 minute read

Agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa addresses the vaccination team

Department of Agriculture vaccination teams remain firmly on the ground in uMkhanyakude District, targeting over 200 000 cattle against foot and mouth disease (FMD).

This was recently revealed by Agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

She said, despite the Easter weekend, the dedicated departmental team continues to administer the allimportant doses to cattle to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers affected by the disease.

FMD has impacted KZN’s 2.5 million cattle population since its re-emergence in the province in 2021.

“From [last] Wednesday, over 15 thousand cattle had received lifesaving doses, with vaccination efforts scheduled until Thursday, 9 April in uMhlabuyalingana (2 969) and Jozini (12 365) local municipalities.

Following completion, the teams will proceed to Big 5 Hlabisa and Inkosi Mtubatuba for a similar assignment to round up vaccinations in the district with over 42 000 administered vaccines from the beginning of the week commencing 30 March,” she said.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa praised her officials for their relentless efforts in tackling the devastating disease that has resulted in trade disruptions and a ban on the country’s cloven-hoofed animals and their products.

The teams comprise State veterinarians, veterinary technologists, animal health technicians, animal production technicians, veterinary public health officers, data capturers and administration clerks. They are working tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep.

“While many individuals are observing the Easter holidays, and rightly so, this group of officials and many farmers are working around the clock to improve animal welfare and their livelihoods.

“I am with them in the trenches, sorting out several bottlenecks and listening to farmers’ concerns. It is a valuable experience to be in the field, inspecting dipping tanks that require refurbishment and responding to challenges affecting the agricultural sector,” said the MEC.

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