Around 700 000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses from Botswana are expected at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Gauteng, today, arriving in three consignments at 1 pm, 4 pm, and later this evening or early tomorrow morning.
Photo: Facebook | Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development
According to Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), the state-owned animal vaccine manufacturer, the full cargo will need to be cleared by the South African Revenue Service and Port Health. Once released, the foot-and-mouth (FMD) vaccine, which OBP must store in line with legislation, may only be administered by a state veterinarian.
Joylene van Wyk, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, told Farmer’s Weekly that this will likely be the last batch this year. She said the ministry would release more information after the arrival and safe storage of the vaccines.
Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Service (RMIS), said the vaccine doses were currently exclusively supplied by the Botswana Vaccine Institute, the sole manufacturer of FMD vaccines in Southern Africa.
“In agreement with the Department of Agriculture, RMIS is coordinating the purchase of vaccines on behalf of livestock owners to either use immediately or keep in reserve as ‘insurance’ against potential outbreaks, primarily in feedlots,” he said.
According to him, the Ministerial Task Team (MMT) on Animal Disease Prevention, Management, and Control, appointed following the FMD Indaba held in July, had been meeting regularly.
“[Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen] appointed the MTT to strengthen national coordination in managing FMD outbreaks. The team consists of 10 state veterinarians and 14 nominated veterinarians from industry, including experts from various livestock organisations and academic institutions.
“This team has been meeting regularly in the past month, and it is encouraging to note the development of a collaborative mindset among the members of the task team,” he said.
Olivier added that accurate and timely diagnostic capabilities were receiving attention to ensure that FMD outbreaks were identified as early as possible to reduce further spread. Enhancing response actions and speed in dealing with new cases was also a priority.
