North West province vaccinates over 80% of 1.4 million herd as FMD cases reach 479 across four districts

The province has received 1,570,100 doses of FMD vaccine and has vaccinated more than 80% of its target herd of 1.4 million animals.

The latest figures come as the province continues to manage FMD across all four districts, with 479 confirmed cases recorded as of 14 August.

FMD cases remain under monitoring

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District remains the most affected, with 213 confirmed cases.

Ngaka Modiri Molema District has recorded 93 cases, followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District with 92 and Bojanala District with 81.

Of the 479 confirmed cases, 333 remained active and were being monitored and managed by veterinary teams, while 146 had been closed.

The department said cases had been closed in areas including Molopo, Rustenburg and Mahikeng, attributing the progress to vaccination, disease surveillance and other control measures.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha urged farmers to continue working with veterinary officials and complying with disease-control and biosecurity measures.

“The progress we are making in the fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease is encouraging, but we cannot afford to become complacent. I urge all livestock farmers to continue cooperating with our veterinary officials on the ground and to comply with the disease control and biosecurity measures that are in place.

“To those farmers we are still to reach, I appeal for patience and continued cooperation. Our teams are working around the clock to reach every farmer and ensure that livestock are vaccinated and that the necessary disease control measures are implemented,” Sambatha said.

Biosecurity remains important

The department said vaccination needs to be supported by biosecurity, responsible animal movement and compliance with veterinary regulations to limit further spread of FMD.

Sambatha also urged farmers to control the movement of their animals and report suspected cases without delay.

“The success of this programme depends on all of us. Government will continue doing its part, but we need the cooperation of every livestock owner to bring this outbreak under control,” he said.

Livestock owners have been urged to maintain proper traceability of their animals and report suspected cases to their nearest state veterinarian, private veterinarian, animal health technician, or extension officer.