MBABANE – The Ministry of Agriculture has announced the Week Four schedule for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccinations due to its outbreak which forced a halt in beef exports.
According to the ministry, vaccinations will be carried out on Wednesday, 16 July, in Sikhwebezi, Mabande, Mathanjeni, and Sikhalasabhodo.
On Thursday, July 17, veterinary teams are expected to move to Vimmyridge and return to Mabande for continued inoculations.
The vaccination campaign is part of government efforts to contain the FMD outbreak which continues to disrupt livestock farming.
To contain the spread across several regions, the implementation of quarantine zones and restricting movement of cloven-hoofed animals were introduced.
The outbreak also led to the temporary closure of beef exports, dealing a blow to farmers and livestock value chain stakeholders.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the export suspension will remain in place until the country can demonstrate disease containment to international trading partners.
FMD is a viral disease affecting animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
The ministry of agriculture has urged farmers in the affected zones to bring their animals for vaccination and cooperate with veterinary officers to ensure full coverage.
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