Steenhuisen lifts KZN FMD restrictions as 2.5 million vaccine doses rolled out nationwide

By Levy Masiteng

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has formally lifted Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions within the KwaZulu-Natal Disease Management Area (DMA), marking a significant turning point in South Africa’s battle against the highly contagious livestock disease.

Speaking during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday, Steenhuisen said the move reflects improving conditions on the ground and growing confidence in containment measures.

He also revealed that 2.5 million doses of FMD vaccines have already been distributed nationwide.

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“The vaccines were sourced from Argentine manufacturer Biogénesis Bagó to accelerate the rollout,” he said.

Steenhuisen also confirmed the official publication of the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD) in the Government Gazette on Monday, under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

The scheme is expected to streamline