South Africa is mounting a major counteroffensive against its worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in decades. For months, cattle farmers have battled this highly contagious virus, which causes painful blisters in livestock, slashes milk production, and triggers costly trade bans. The government’s new strategy hinges on a critical domestic breakthrough: the first batch of locally produced vaccine in 21 years. This initial 12,900-dose batch is a pivotal step in accelerating a national vaccination campaign that has already reached two million animals. Officials aim to have five million more doses ready by March, followed by stricter surveillance. The goal is to reduce outbreaks in high-risk areas by over 70% within a year, offering beleaguered farmers a powerful new ally to protect their herds and livelihoods.
Africanews
