BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Eswatini has moved a step closer to regaining its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status following the arrival of 100 000 vaccine doses, giving fresh momentum to the national vaccination campaign aimed at protecting the country’s cattle population and reopening lucrative export markets.
The latest consignment comes as Government continues implementing measures to eradicate the disease after last year’s outbreak, which resulted in the suspension of beef exports and disrupted businesses across the livestock value chain.
Speaking on Eswatini TV’s Market View programme, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sydney Boy Simelane, confirmed that the first batch of vaccines had arrived, with another shipment expected next week.
“We have now received the first 100 000 doses of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine. The remaining 100 000 doses are expected to arrive next week,” said Simelane.
He said the arrival of the vaccines will ensure the vaccination programme continues without interruption as the country works towards eliminating the disease.
Eswatini has an estimated cattle population of about 500 000. According to Simelane, around 400 000 cattle have already received both the first vaccination and the booster dose, leaving approximately 100 000 still to be fully covered.
“So far, about 400 000 cattle have been fully vaccinated with both the first and second doses. We are making good progress with the programme,” he said.
Simelane explained that Government deliberately ordered 200 000 vaccine doses to ensure every remaining animal receives both the initial vaccination and the booster required for full protection.
“The remaining cattle still need both the first dose and the booster shot. That is why we ordered 200 000 doses, which is enough to complete the vaccination programme,” he said.
He added that vaccination teams remain active in the field and are expected to vaccinate about 50 000 cattle by the end of the week.
“The programme is progressing well and by the end of this week we expect to have vaccinated about 50 000 cattle,” he said.
Simelane reaffirmed Government’s commitment to protecting the country’s livestock industry and restoring confidence in Eswatini’s beef sector.
“Government remains committed to delivering on its promises and we are on the right track in combating foot-and-mouth disease. Our ultimate goal is to achieve FMD-free status so that we can safely resume livestock exports while protecting our national herd,” he said.
Regaining FMD-free status is expected to unlock international export opportunities, strengthen the livestock industry and improve incomes for cattle farmers while contributing to national economic growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture has urged livestock owners to continue cooperating with veterinary officials by ensuring their cattle are presented for vaccination whenever teams visit their communities.
With the latest vaccine shipment now in the country and another expected shortly, Government remains optimistic that Eswatini is steadily advancing towards eliminating foot-and-mouth disease and restoring the country’s reputation as a reliable producer and exporter of high-quality beef.
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(Courtesy Pic)
