By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has taken significant steps to raise awareness about the dangers of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Eswatini.
Following a recent outbreak, she toured FMD Security Checkpoints in the Shiselweni region to sensitize the public and reinforce preventative measures.
Key Actions Taken
Checkpoint Inspections: During her visit, Dladla emphasized the importance of thorough inspections at the checkpoints, where all vehicles are subjected to fumigation. This measure is crucial for containing the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Community Involvement: The National Commissioner of Police, Manoma Masango, urged community police in affected areas to enhance their involvement in maintaining order and assisting with disease control efforts.
Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Infected animals exhibit symptoms such as fever, blisters, and sores in the mouth and around the hooves, which can severely impair their ability to eat and walk.
The disease spreads rapidly through:
Direct contact with infected animals
Contaminated surfaces, including farming equipment, vehicles, clothing, and feed
Due to its quick transmission, outbreaks can lead to significant economic repercussions for livestock industries, necessitating strict quarantine measures, vaccination programs, and trade restrictions to mitigate its impact.
Conclusion
The efforts by Acting Prime Minister Dladla and other officials highlight the importance of nationwide cooperation in combating FMD. By raising awareness and implementing preventative measures, they aim to protect the livestock industry and ensure public health safety.
(Pics by:The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office)
