New livestock vaccine push in SA raises stakes for Zimbabwe farmers

South Africa has introduced a nationwide voluntary vaccination programme against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a development expected to have significant implications for livestock producers and veterinary authorities across the region, particularly in Zimbabwe's southern provinces.

The Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot-and-Mouth Disease was gazetted earlier this month by South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen under the Animal Diseases Act of 1984.

According to the policy, the scheme is designed to help livestock owners reduce the impact of FMD through voluntary vaccination conducted under the supervision of state veterinary services.

The gazette states that the programme aims to "enable animal owners to mitigate against the impact of FMD by facilitating voluntary vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease under the oversight of State veterinary services."

It further notes that the initiative seeks to "facilitate continued business operations for participants to ensure food security and trade opportunities."

Foot-and-mouth disease is among the most contagious livestock diseases affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Outbreaks often trigger livestock movement restrictions, disrupt domestic and international trade, and result in substantial financial losses for farmers and agricultural businesses.

Zimbabwe has experienced recurring outbreaks of the disease in recent years, particularly in border districts where livestock movements between neighbouring countries are difficult to monitor and control.

In Zimbabwe's livestock-dependent Matabeleland South province, veterinary authorities have welcomed intensified regional efforts to combat the disease.

Enat Mdlongwa, the provincial veterinary director for Matabeleland South, said vaccination campaigns remain critical to protecting cattle-rearing communities and preserving rural livelihoods.

He also commended veterinary teams for their commitment to disease control programmes, including working beyond normal operating hours to ensure successful vaccination coverage.

Livestock production remains a key source of income, wealth preservation and food security for thousands of households in Matabeleland South. Previous FMD outbreaks have severely affected cattle sales, beef exports and cross-border trade activities.

South Africa's new programme is expected to increase emphasis on livestock traceability, disease surveillance and cross-border veterinary cooperation among countries in the Southern African region.

Under the scheme, participating livestock owners will be required to permanently identify animals through approved methods such as branding, tattoos or ear tags. Animals must also be registered in a recognised traceability system.

The policy defines a traceability system as one that enables the identification and tracking of animals throughout their entire life cycle, from birth and ownership changes to slaughter or export.

To oversee implementation, South Africa has established a specialised committee comprising veterinary experts, government officials and representatives from the agricultural sector, including the Agricultural Research Council and the University of Pretoria.

The committee will monitor programme implementation, assess laboratory results and advise authorities on vaccine requirements and certification procedures.

Although participation in the vaccination programme is voluntary, authorities have warned that participants who fail to comply with scheme requirements risk losing their participation certificates after being given a 14-day period to rectify any non-compliance.

The South African government also indicated that livestock owners will bear the cost of vaccines and vaccination services. However, provisions have been made for potential subsidies, public funding support and cost-sharing arrangements to encourage broader participation.

The programme comes as regional governments intensify efforts to strengthen animal health systems and protect agricultural industries from recurring outbreaks.

Earlier this year, Zimbabwe and Botswana launched a joint mass vaccination campaign targeting foot-and-mouth disease in Matabeleland South following reports of infections in border areas between the two countries.

The campaign targets approximately 100,000 cattle across Mangwe, Gwanda, Bulilima and Matobo districts.

Zimbabwe's Chief Veterinary Officer, Pious Makaya, recently praised Botswana for donating 100,000 vaccine doses to support the initiative, describing the contribution as a significant boost to efforts aimed at protecting livestock and safeguarding rural livelihoods.

Agricultural stakeholders are expected to closely monitor South Africa's vaccination programme as Southern African countries continue strengthening regional cooperation to combat transboundary animal diseases and secure access to valuable export markets.