BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has reaffirmed the critical role of chiefs in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), highlighting community leadership as key to strengthening the country response to the outbreak.
This follows a question by Sen. Chief Prince Kekela, who asked: “Could the Ministry engage Chiefs with regards to FMD as imiphakatsi are aware of many community activities and could offer more assistance?”
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture said chiefs remain a “strong pillar” in the control and prevention of FMD and will continue to be actively involved in awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes across the country.
This was revealed in the Report of the Portfolio Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture, tabled in Parliament on March 27, 2026.
The Ministry noted that chiefs, through their close interaction with communities, are well positioned to ensure that information on disease prevention reaches grassroots level. Their involvement is also expected to improve compliance with livestock movement restrictions and support early reporting of suspected cases.
Authorities said this approach complements ongoing national interventions, including awareness campaigns in border areas, strengthened cordon patrols and collaboration with the Eswatini Umbutfo Defence Force (EUDF). Government is also working closely with neighbouring countries through coordinated vaccination programmes.
The Ministry further highlighted that it is implementing an integrated FMD control programme, which focuses on vaccinating cattle while sustaining livelihoods. Unlike previous approaches, infected animals are not being culled. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being developed to guide feedlot operations and regulate the safe movement of livestock for slaughter, breeding and production during the outbreak. Artificial insemination in beef cattle is also being rolled out to revitalise the industry.
While the disease has disrupted livestock activities, particularly feedlot operations due to movement restrictions, the Ministry said the number of operational feedlots has declined from the previously recorded 212, although a current figure is not yet available as assessments are ongoing. An SOP for feedlots is expected to be operational by the end of March to support production in affected areas.
On farmer capacity, the Ministry revealed that although 434 farmers were trained in feed processing and agri-feed production, only 12 are actively producing supplementary feed for beef cattle and goats. Two additional farmers are processing feed for sale and assisting others, while two farmer groups, with 20 and 27 members respectively, are producing mineral licks.
Strict controls remain in place at FMD checkpoints, with prohibited products including red meat, raw and sour milk, hay, untreated grass and other cloven-hoofed animal products.
The dairy sector has also been affected, with movement restrictions on cattle, feed and raw milk disrupting supply chains, slowing herd improvement and negatively impacting long-term productivity.
Meanwhile, other Senators also raised concerns on FMD. Sen. Ndumiso Mdluli questioned whether the Ministry has sufficient resources to combat the outbreak. The Ministry responded that it has requested budget allocation for an integrated FMD control and beef revitalisation programme, which is still awaiting approval.
Sen. Fezeka Dlamini raised concerns about the country’s vulnerability to other animal diseases following the loss of its FMD-free status, particularly the risk of avian influenza. The Ministry said while no guarantees can be made, measures such as biosecurity, vaccination, surveillance and poultry movement controls are in place, including sanitary slaughter and disinfection in case of an outbreak.
Efforts to contain FMD and protect the livestock sector remain ongoing, with authorities optimistic that a coordinated, community-driven approach involving chiefs will safeguard livelihoods and support recovery within the industry.
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(Courtesy Pic)
