BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– Eswatini has not lost all hope of accessing international livestock markets despite the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, as the country can still work its way back into global trade under a different but recognised animal health status Dr Thembi Ndlangamandla has said.
Dr Ndlangamandla made the remarks during a media briefing held on January 12, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture in Mbabane. The briefing was convened for the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Mandla Tshawuka, who provided updates on the national FMD situation, while Dr Ndlangamandla addressed international trade implications.
She explained that although Eswatini has lost its “FMD-free without vaccination” status, this does not permanently exclude the country from global livestock markets.
In the short to medium term, Eswatini can work towards trading under the “FMD-free with vaccination” status, which is recognised internationally and allows controlled market access once disease control, surveillance and biosecurity requirements are met.
Dr Ndlangamandla further explained how the country can eventually restore the higher “FMD-free without vaccination” status. Under international regulations, a country may only apply for this status three months after the last animal that was vaccinated dies,and provided there are no new outbreaks and all surveillance and monitoring conditions are fully satisfied.
She noted that the last animal that had been vaccinated has since died, meaning the waiting period towards applying for the non-vaccination status can now be considered, subject to continued disease control and monitoring.
Dr Ndlangamandla said this pathway offers renewed hope that Eswatini can, over time, regain access to premium export markets such as the European Union, once all technical and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.
The Minister highlighted that Government is considering the rollout of a mass FMD vaccination programme to curb the spread of the disease. However, he cautioned that vaccination alone will not succeed without strict adherence to livestock movement controls and biosecurity measures.
She further reassured farmers that the sell-to-slaughter arrangement remains in effect, allowing livestock owners to continue selling animals under controlled conditions. She said this measure is critical in helping households earn income while disease containment efforts continue. Farmers were urged to obtain veterinary permits before moving livestock.
Dr Thembi Ndlangamandla stressed that cooperation from farmers and all stakeholders is essential if Eswatini is to stabilise the livestock sector and gradually return to international trade through the vaccination-based route.
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(Courtesy Pic)
