Livestock owners in designated areas of the Karasburg State Veterinary District must present all cattle, sheep, goats and pigs for three rounds of vaccination over three months.
Compulsory foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination in designated areas of the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region will begin today (14 October), with livestock owners required to present all their cloven-hoofed animals for three rounds of vaccination.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services announced the measure in a directive issued by chief veterinary officer Kenneth Shoombe under the Animal Health Act of 2011 and the Animal Health Regulations of 2018.
The campaign is expected to be completed within three months, unless the chief veterinary officer extends the period th
rough a further notice.
All cattle, sheep, goats and pigs in the designated areas must be presented for vaccination during each round. Farmers are also required to provide suitable handling facilities, including livestock crushes, and sufficient labour to assist veterinary officials.
The directive states that only state-supplied vaccines administered by authorised veterinary officials may be used. The private importation, possession and independent administration of FMD vaccines within the FMD-free zone are prohibited.
Areas affected
The compulsory vaccination campaign covers designated farms and establishments in the Karasburg State Veterinary District, including areas south of the B3 road between Ariamsvlei and Grünau and areas south of the C10 road leading to Ai-Ais, extending towards the Orange River.
The directive also refers to a two-farm-wide band north of the B3 road and a similar band north of the B1-C10 road. Vaccination arrangements for establishments north of the designated roads may be revised as the veterinary authorities assess the disease risk and changing epidemiological situation.
Farmers are urged to cooperate with veterinary officials, remain alert for clinical signs of FMD and report suspected cases to their nearest state veterinary office.
The directive warns that failure to comply with compulsory vaccination requirements may constitute an offence under the Animal Health Act, which provides for penalties for non-compliance.
Dates for the second and third rounds of vaccinations will be shared in due course.
