Number of Foot & Mouth Disease Outbreaks Reaches 270 Across South Africa, Agriculture Department Warns
Number of Foot & Mouth Disease Outbreaks Reaches 270 Across South Africa, Agriculture Department Warns
South Africa is facing a growing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis, with the latest confirmed outbreak recorded in the Free State, the Department of Agriculture said in a statement.
To tackle the new outbreak of FMD — a viral infection that mostly affects hoofed animals—the government implements control measures, including vaccination and surveillance, the department added.
Of the 249 unresolved FMD outbreaks nationwide, 172 are located in KwaZulu-Natal, making it the most affected province.
Meanwhile, the government stepped up the fight against FMD. In late June, it received over 900,000 vaccine doses from Botswana, and a homegrown vaccine is in final stages of development, according to the department.
Footage shows Minister Steenhuisen's recent visit to a beef feedlot, marking the vaccination campaign launch
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