BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Minister of Agriculture Hon Mandla Tshawuka has warned that mass vaccination alone will not eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Eswatini, if illegal movement of livestock and meat continues, noting that many people continue to defy Ministry restrictions.
The warning came during a media briefing on Monday, January 12, 2026, following the return of the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), represented by Dr Tshenolo Pebe, who is on a technical mission to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in combating FMD.
Dr Pebe is tasked with identifying the specific strains of FMD affecting local livestock, a critical step to ensure vaccines match the circulating virus. He will also collect samples from the recent outbreak in the Shiselweni Region, particularly around Zombodze Emuva and Makhondza, and advise on effective containment measures.
“Mass vaccination is crucial, but it cannot work in isolation,” said Hon Mandla Tshawuka. “Despite repeated warnings, some people continue to defy restrictions on livestock and meat movement. This undermines our efforts and risks reintroducing the virus even after vaccination campaigns. We urge all farmers and the public to cooperate fully with Ministry guidelines to control the disease.”
The Minister further revealed that the Ministry is addressing long-term prevention by rehabilitating cordon fences, identified as key points of entry for infected livestock. The Government has engaged the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which procured the fences, to ensure they are repaired and effectively prevent cross-border livestock movement from Mozambique and South Africa.
Dr Pebe will also update authorities on findings from samples collected last year and provide recommendations on the best strategies to manage and eventually eliminate FMD in the country.
Collective responsibility remains central to the fight against FMD. “Everyone has a role to play. By following the Ministry’s guidelines, we can protect Eswatini’s livestock industry and ensure food security for all,” Minister Hon Mandla Tshawuka concluded.
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