By Tshifiwa Muifha
Dr Masala Mburu administers vaccination as part of government’s broader campaign to curb FMD.
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in the Vhembe West Agro-Ecological Zone has intensified its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by expanding its vaccination campaign to include small stock such as sheep and goats.
The vaccinations were successfully conducted at Limpopo Dairy Farm on 4 May 2026 and at Mathuba Genetics on 7 May 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the highly contagious animal disease.
The inclusion of sheep and goats marks a major breakthrough in strengthening disease prevention and control measures within the district. Previously, vaccination campaigns largely focused on cattle, leaving small stock vulnerable to infection and increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Vhembe District remains a high-surveillance area for Foot and Mouth Disease due to its close proximity to the Kruger National Park, where interactions between wildlife and domestic animals increase the risk of outbreaks. Vaccination therefore remains critical in limiting the spread of the disease, protecting animal productivity, and safeguarding the livestock economy.
The campaign is also essential in preserving market access and supporting the export of animal products, which are important contributors to economic growth and food security.
Animal Health Technician teams led by Dr Masala Mburu have already made significant progress across the Vhembe West Agro-Ecological Zone. To date, approximately 286 sheep and 1 462 goats have been vaccinated during the campaign.
Among the farms reached were Limpopo Dairy Farm, where 1 509 animals received vaccinations, and Mathuba Genetics Farm, where 239 animals were vaccinated.
LDARD continues to urge livestock owners to cooperate fully with Animal Health Technicians and ensure all eligible animals are vaccinated. The department says collective action remains key to protecting livelihoods, strengthening the livestock industry, and preventing future outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in Limpopo.
