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A delivery of 100,000 doses of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine has reached Cape Town International Airport, enhancing the Western Cape Government’s initiatives to manage the outbreak and safeguard the region’s livestock industry.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde mentioned that the vaccines will be spread throughout the West Coast, Cape Winelands, and Garden Route areas. The distribution process will be managed by a provincial “war room” that holds regular meetings to track development and organize response efforts.

Winde mentioned that the continuous vaccination campaign will be gradually expanded as the province aims to completely immunize its animal population.

As per the Premier, 48,612 animals have received vaccinations throughout the province, with 276 sites set up for immunization.

A total of 29 private veterinarians are supporting State Veterinarians in the initiative, with the province having received 162,120 vaccine doses so far.

As part of comprehensive control strategies, alert traffic signs have been placed on major highways connecting the Western Cape to adjacent regions, and barriers have been set up on important routes to track animal movement.

Winde mentioned that the provincial government has increased its efforts since the initial cases of FMD were detected, collaborating closely with important agricultural partners.

“This initiative has received backing from groups such as the Milk Producers Organisation, Red Meat Producers, Milk SA, Agri Western Cape, and Shoprite. All impacted areas are noting positive developments in carrying out the 21-point FMD response strategy coordinated by the Western Cape Government and its collaborators,” the Premier stated.

The strategy involves implementing movement control protocols, such as continuous border surveillance; improving monitoring and tracking systems via swift action by local provincial veterinary authorities; and improved coordination between law enforcement and emergency preparedness.

It also details recovery actions, such as cleaning activities and the surveillance of quarantine zones.

Wind praised the cooperative actions taken by all parties involved in handling the outbreak.

All these advancements are achieved thanks to teamwork. We remain committed to enhancing the response strategy to safeguard this essential part of our economy.

“I personally lead a weekly collaborative operations meeting with all involved parties, including local municipalities, to ensure that all necessary actions are being taken to handle this crisis. In all our efforts, we strive to safeguard growth, living standards, and employment,” the Premier stated.

The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, also expressed approval of the arrival of more vaccine shipments.

Meyer also thanked all the individuals involved who have diligently worked to manage this outbreak.

“Your commitment serves as the foundation for our shared advancement. The arrival of 100,000 extra vaccine doses in the Western Cape represents a major milestone. It allows us to speed up immunizations throughout the province, ensuring we safeguard our animals, assist our farmers, and reinforce this crucial part of our economy,” Meyer stated.

Winde mentioned that he continues to maintain regular communication with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to guarantee the execution of a livestock movement licensing system, which will enhance the province’s containment plan further. –SAnews.gov.za

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