Mbabane – The Ministry of Agriculture has intensified its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with new vaccine supplies and international technical support aimed at curbing outbreaks in the country’s southern regions.
Announcing the updates during the launch of the ploughing season, Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka said 188,800 vaccine doses had arrived in the country, and vaccination campaigns were already underway.
He revealed that while new FMD incursions were reported in Mambane, the situation in other previously affected areas such as Hluti, Lavumisa, and Lubulini had stabilised, with no new infections recorded.
“The ministry is now focused on containing the Mambane incursion, where infected brands have been identified and immediate vaccination is ongoing,” Tshawuka said.
He further confirmed that the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) is currently in Eswatini to assist in controlling the outbreak and strengthening veterinary response efforts.
The Minister emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting the livestock sector, which is a vital part of rural livelihoods and national food security.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers do not lose their herds to preventable diseases. The new vaccines and our collaboration with regional partners demonstrate our determination to safeguard Eswatini’s livestock industry,” he said.
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