BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has announced a partial relaxation of livestock movement controls during the current outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), bringing relief to farmers while maintaining strict biosecurity measures to protect the national herd.
The announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture Hon. Mandla Tshawuka on Thursday, 23 April 2026, during a press conference held at the Ministry’s conference room in Mbabane. The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Ministry’s Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services during the press conference.
Speaking to journalists during the event, the Minister said the updated measures apply to cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and are aimed at balancing disease control with continued agricultural activity.
Slaughter Movements Allowed Under Strict Rules
The Minister said movement of livestock for slaughter remains permitted under established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
He said animals from red zones will continue to be slaughtered at abattoirs located within those zones, while animals from clean zones must be slaughtered at abattoirs in clean areas.
He further said before movement takes place, animals must be inspected within seven days by Animal Health Inspectors, with a health certificate issued to the owner.
The Minister said farmers are also required to apply for a local movement permit through their sub-regional office. Once approved, livestock must be moved within 48 hours of the permit being issued.
He added that permits must be endorsed during loading, and consignments will be sealed using official seals. Supporting documents, including health inspection certificates and checkpoint reports, must accompany all movements.
The Minister said after slaughter, carcasses will be transported in approved vehicles sealed by veterinary officials and accompanied by the required meat inspection documentation.
Feedlot Operations Continue
The Minister also confirmed that feedlot movements will continue under controlled conditions.
He explained that a feedlot is a registered biosecure facility authorised by Veterinary Services to receive livestock for finishing before direct slaughter.
According to the Minister, animals entering feedlots must remain there for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months.
He said permitted movements include cattle from clean areas to clean feedlots, cattle from clean areas to dirty feedlots, and cattle from dirty areas to dirty feedlots.
The Minister added that before a livestock movement permit is issued, feedlot owners must first obtain a no-objection permit from the sub-regional office at the feedlot destination.
Breeding Movements Eased
The Minister said movement of animals for breeding purposes has also been partially reopened.
He stated that such movement will only be allowed within the same sub-region, with permits issued by the relevant sub-regional office.
The Minister said livestock must move between areas with matching vaccination status. This means animals from non-vaccinated dip tanks may only move to non-vaccinated dip tanks, while animals from partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated dip tanks must move to areas with the same status.
He further said inter-sub-regional movement will only be permitted from fully vaccinated areas that have reported no clinical cases and where post-vaccination monitoring has been completed.
These areas include Hluthi, Lavumisa, Lubuli, and selected dip tanks in Sithobela, Siphofaneni and Mbulungwane.
Restrictions Remain in Hhohho
The Minister said livestock movement in the Hhohho Region will remain restricted due to active FMD infections.
However, he said limited movement may be considered in Lobamba and some dip tanks around Mbabane on a case-by-case basis.
Protecting the Sector
The Minister said the partial easing of controls is expected to support farmers, protect livelihoods and maintain supply chains, while ensuring that disease control efforts remain firmly in place.
He urged livestock owners to continue observing all regulations and cooperate fully with veterinary teams.
