Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating Foot-and-Mouth Disease FMD from the country.
The plan aims not only to eradicate this crippling disease but also to restore confidence in export markets, potentially impacting a sector valued at R80 billion.
On Thursday, Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the government's action plan, developed in collaboration with the Ministerial Advisory Task Team on Animal Disease Prevention and Control. South Africa now has a realistic and technically sound roadmap to realise its goal of FMD-free status with vaccination, a crucial step for restoring confidence in export markets and stabilising this livestock industry, he stated.
