Mbabane – The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has officially commissioned a nationwide vaccination campaign to combat the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Eswatini.
The mass vaccination of cattle is set to begin on June 20, 2025, with the first batch of vaccines expected from Botswana on June 18. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the presence of FMD last month, on May 12, 2025, following positive test results from livestock at the Sikhwebezi Dip Tank in Makhwakhweni.
Tshawuka acknowledged the outbreak and reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to containing and eradicating the disease swiftly. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response involving multiple stakeholders, stressing that the issue extends beyond the remit of his ministry.
“This is not just an agricultural issue — it affects our economy and international trade,” Tshawuka said.
The minister highlighted the ongoing discussions with international trading partners, including the European Union, focusing on areas where FMD has been reported.
These talks are vital to maintaining trade relations and restoring market access for Eswatini’s agricultural exports once the disease is under control.
To support targeted interventions, the country has been divided into control zones. Zone One includes the Shiselweni region, while Zone Two covers parts of the Lubombo area. These zones, along with established buffer zones, are essential in managing animal movement and curbing the spread of the virus.
Tshawuka described the accelerated vaccination program as a cornerstone of the national response, noting that vaccines will be sourced directly from the manufacturer in Botswana. He underscored the importance of this initiative for both disease control and the protection of Eswatini’s agricultural economy.
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