…Regional cooperation strengthened to combat livestock diseases
…Eswatini records over 60% vaccination rollout in under three months
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Mozambique have intensified efforts to combat the outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other transboundary animal diseases through a coordinated regional response.
The strengthened collaboration was highlighted during a mass vaccination outreach exercise organised by South Africa’s Ministry of Agriculture on Monday, May 11, 2026, where leaders from the three neighbouring countries reaffirmed the importance of joint action to protect livestock and strengthen food security.
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, led the vaccination exercise, while Eswatini was represented by Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka. Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture was represented by Dr Abel Gonçalo Chilundo.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Tshawuka said Eswatini had made encouraging progress in its FMD vaccination campaign, achieving more than 60 per cent coverage in less than three months. He noted that the country was now entering the declining phase of the disease, signalling positive momentum in containment efforts.
According to the minister, Eswatini has vaccinated 317 000 cattle from the national herd of 550 000 since February this year, demonstrating the country’s strong commitment to protecting the livestock sector and restoring stability within the agricultural economy.
Tshawuka further explained that damaged cordon fences along shared borders had contributed to the movement of animals between countries, heightening the risk of disease transmission. He stressed that a united regional response had become necessary to effectively address the challenge.
“We realised that we needed a regional approach to this problem. It is important for us to work together in order to win this battle; otherwise, we cannot succeed individually,” said the minister.
Looking ahead, Tshawuka called for deeper regional cooperation, particularly in vaccination programmes and vaccine production, noting the need for countries in the region to develop sufficient local vaccine capacity rather than depending on a single supplier.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration in sanitary measures and efforts to combat stock theft, describing these as critical areas in ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the region’s livestock industry.
The joint initiative reflects growing regional solidarity and a shared commitment by Eswatini, South Africa, and Mozambique to safeguard animal health, support farmers, and minimise the economic impact of transboundary livestock diseases.
(Courtesy Pics)
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