The Department of Agriculture has launched an online self-vaccination application portal for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as part of efforts to regain South Africa's FMD-free status with vaccination and support the recovery of livestock exports.
The portal would enable livestock owners to apply for authorisation to vaccinate their own animals while providing government with the traceability and reporting data needed to support South Africa's application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), said Agriculture Minister, Willie Aucamp.
"The owners and managers of cattle will be able to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD. This step is only the beginning, and I can assure all stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture is committed to enabling the private sector to help tackle this FMD outbreak."
The portal allows cattle owners and managers to register on the FMD Reporting System, apply for authorisation to administer FMD vaccines, notify veterinary authorities before vaccination and submit a report once inoculations have been completed.
Livestock owners must first obtain approval before giving at least five days' notice of their intention to vaccinate. They are also required to submit a vaccination report within 14 days detailing the animals vaccinated, the vaccine used and where it was administered.
The department said producers could also use approved third-party digital platforms, including those operated by Red Meat Industry Services, the Southern African Agri Initiative, and Buffalo Analytics, to complete the notification and reporting process, with the information shared directly with government.
Farmers participating in the voluntary vaccination programme will be responsible for purchasing vaccines for their livestock, while government will continue supplying vaccines in areas affected by new outbreaks and to producers unable to afford them.
Aucamp also urged organised agricultural bodies to work with approved vaccine importers to help forecast demand and ensure adequate vaccine supplies.
