The Ministry of Agriculture has established the first two foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) checkpoints in the Hhohho region in efforts to contain the nationwide outbreak.
The new checkpoints are located at Maganganyaneni and Lozimvu under Mayiwane Inkhundla.
The move comes after reported FMD cases in Hhohho over the past two weeks, marking the region as no longer the last unaffected area in the country.
The outbreak has now spread across all four regions of the country and involves both SAT1 and SAT2 serotypes.
The outbreak has prompted the suspension of livestock sales, mandatory vaccination and strict movement controls.
FMD Control Unit Focal Person Dr Thembi Ndlangamandla confirmed the establishment of the checkpoints yesterday. She highlighted the rapid vaccination campaign underway, noting that a total of 18 037 out of 18 462 cattle were vaccinated in 26 dip tanks last week.
“Of these, 3 748 cattle in three Nhlangano dip tanks received booster shots, while the remaining 14 289 cattle in 23 dip tanks were being vaccinated for the first time. Vaccination progressed well despite logistical challenges,” she said.
The ministry noted that several dip tanks at Lubulini, Hluti and Lavumisa had not recorded clinical FMD cases for more than five months. However, the SAT2 event remains unresolved due to Zenzele dip tank, where control measures were not implemented despite infected cattle being present.
“Failure to address the situation in Zenzele poses serious consequences,” she said.
Ndlangamandla stated that until Zenzele cattle were either vaccinated or culled, the country could not successfully apply for FMD-free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
“The SAT2 event cannot be closed, and any application for FMD freedom will be unsuccessful unless Zenzele is addressed,” she warned.
To strengthen containment measures, seven vaccination teams were deployed across the country. Two teams were stationed at Nhlangano Training Centre, two at Mpisi, two at Manyonyaneni and one at Gesawu. Their deployment ensured that all 26 dip tanks received comprehensive vaccination coverage.
The total number of FMD vaccine doses administered last week was 18 200 — a critical step in curbing the spread of the disease.
Ndlangamandla said maintaining strict movement controls and ensuring complete vaccination coverage are essential in preventing further outbreaks.
The newly established checkpoints at Maganganyaneni and Lozimvu will serve as monitoring points for livestock movement in the Hhohho region.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate communities about the importance of vaccination and movement restrictions.
Ndlangamandla said while progress had been made, continued vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders are crucial.
“FMD is a highly contagious disease and controlling it requires collective responsibility. These checkpoints are just the first step in safeguarding our livestock and protecting the agricultural economy,” she said.
The ministry reiterated that the fight against FMD is ongoing and no region, including Hhohho, is considered fully safe until vaccination and control measures are fully implemented nationwide.
