The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal, led by MEC Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has concluded its vaccinations of cloven-hoofed animals against the foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in the second district, Harry Gwala, situated in the southern part of the province. Just over 250 thousand vaccines have been inoculated across four local municipalities within the Harry Gwala District from 386 dip tanks and farms, although reports are still being tallied for the final results.
The teams are yet to conclude vaccinations on farms under the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development in this district. The numbers of vaccines administered in each municipality are as follows: Johannes Phumani Phungula – 59 326; Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – 85 032; Greater Kokstad – 59 557; UMzimkhulu – 47 392.
This is the second district to have completed its vaccinations, following Ugu, which saw just over 54 thousand cattle vaccinated from February 26 to March 4, 2026. Over 306 thousand vaccines have been administered in these two districts, using BioGenesis Bago and Dollvet. These figures include both communal and commercial cattle.
The Department has also decided to vaccinate a pig farm around Dannhauser in the Amajuba District following FMD positive cases there, aiming to contain the disease and reduce the viral load. It has administered 13 400 vaccines to pigs and 4 200 to cattle in that district alone, all from three dipping tanks and farms.
Veterinary-led teams have vaccinated a total of 21 500 cattle in the uMgungundlovu District, 3 200 in the uThukela District, and 140 in uMzinyathi, with further vaccination campaigns to be announced soon for these districts.
The teams will now shift their focus to uMkhanyakude District Municipality. The scheduled plan for uMkhanyakude District is from March 30 to April 8, 2026.
MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has announced that currently there are five designated abattoirs where animals from FMD-infected farms can be slaughtered at Karen Beef, Glencoe, Darnell, Boston, and Dalton. Owners of abattoirs should facilitate public comment on applications to apply for designation.
The Department has partnered with three organisations – Milk Producers Organisation, KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (KWANALU), and Tip Top Dairy – to assist in efforts to control the current FMD. These private organisations have been instrumental in ensuring that the permit office and the distribution of vaccines run smoothly.
Meanwhile, the shortlisting of 60 Animal Health Technicians, 80 Data Capturers, and 22 Administration Clerks is ongoing. Their recruitment will be completed by the end of March and will beef up the current teams.