SADC countries need joint response to foot-and-mouth disease
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says regional countries need to work together to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
South Africa is grappling with the outbreak, which has put 14 million cattle at risk.
In response, the Department of Agriculture has started the vaccination rollout to curb the outbreak and protect the agricultural economy.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen previously said R1.4 billion has been allocated to combat the disease.
The disease has also been reported in neighbouring Botswana, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe in recent months.
Lamola spoke at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting in Pretoria on Friday.
“Because most countries in the region are affected by foot-and-mouth disease, it is clear that we all need to collaborate to resolve this challenge.
“The capacity within the region, what Lesotho is doing and what Botswana is doing, including Botswana’s research and vaccine capabilities, can benefit the entire region,” Lamola added.
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