Farmers in South Africa say a government vaccination effort against foot-and-mouth disease has come too late, as the outbreak spreads across the country’s livestock sector.
In the Eastern Cape Province, farmer Igsahn Felix watched helplessly as one of his calves lay dying in a field near Humansdorp, an area central to the country’s cattle industry.
Foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle and other livestock, was declared a national disaster earlier this year. Nearly 1,000 outbreaks have already been reported across all nine provinces.
Authorities launched a 10-year campaign to vaccinate about 20 million cattle, but many farmers say the response came too late to prevent major losses.
The disease has caused severe financial strain, forcing farmers to spend more on fodder and sanitisation while quarantine rules block meat sales and slaughter. Several countries, including Zambia and China, have also banned South African beef imports.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has faced criticism over the government’s handling of the outbreak, which threatens thousands of livelihoods and the country’s livestock economy.
