BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka has praised farmers across Eswatini for their strong support and cooperation in the national mass vaccination programme aimed at combating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Minister made the remarks during a visit to Nyakeni Dip Tank on March 5 2026, where he observed veterinary teams administering vaccines and engaged with farmers who had brought their cattle for inoculation under the national disease response programme.
Tshawuka noted that the nationwide vaccination programme is expected to take approximately four months to complete as veterinary teams work across the country to ensure that all cattle are vaccinated.
He commended livestock owners for working closely with veterinary officers and bringing their animals to designated dip tanks, emphasising that such cooperation is essential in protecting the country’s livestock sector and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
The Minister encouraged farmers to continue supporting the initiative by presenting all cattle for vaccination and maintaining close collaboration with veterinary teams throughout the campaign.
According to the Ministry, the 2026 vaccination drive forms part of broader efforts to eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease following outbreaks reported last year. Government has committed approximately E90 million to the programme to strengthen disease control measures and protect the national herd.
Veterinary teams began daily vaccination operations in early March, starting as early as 5 a.m. at dip tanks across the country. The initiative requires all cattle to be presented for vaccination, with enforcement measures in place to ensure full compliance.
The programme builds on emergency interventions that were introduced in June 2025 after the first cases of the disease were recorded in May of the same year. Since then, authorities have intensified efforts to control and prevent further outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the Ministry continues to strengthen public awareness and education campaigns to support disease prevention efforts.
Recently, the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services conducted an FMD awareness and sensitisation meeting with livestock owners in Ntfonjeni. The meeting brought together farmers, traditional leaders and members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service, including the Crime Prevention and Stock Theft Units.
During the engagement, farmers were reminded of the importance of properly identifying their livestock through branding and ear tagging in accordance with national legislation. They were also encouraged to ensure that cattle, sheep and goats attend dipping on designated days.
Authorities further advised farmers to report any livestock that stray into neighbouring countries to veterinary officers and police to facilitate lawful repatriation. Farmers were also cautioned against using unregistered veterinary medicines and encouraged to report sick animals instead of practising self-treatment.
Community members pledged to strengthen monitoring of their livestock, improve herding practices and work closely with authorities to detect diseases early while helping to prevent stock theft.
The Ministry emphasised that continued cooperation between farmers, veterinary officers and communities is essential to protecting Eswatini’s livestock resources and supporting sustainable farming across rural areas.
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