New Online System Opens FMD Vaccination Applications for Livestock Owners
New Online System Opens FMD Vaccination Applications for Livestock Owners. Livestock owners and managers can now apply online for permission to vaccinate their own animals against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following the launch of the Department of Agriculture’s new FMD Reporting system.
The online platform has been introduced to strengthen disease control efforts while improving the monitoring and traceability of FMD vaccinations across South Africa.
Announcing the initiative, Minister Aucamp said the new system will allow cattle owners and managers to participate in voluntary vaccination programmes once they have received the necessary authorisation.
“The launch of this system means that the owners and managers of cattle will be able to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD,” the minister said, adding that the department remains committed to working with the private sector to help address the current FMD outbreak.
To administer vaccines, livestock owners and managers must first apply through the FMD Reporting system to become an authorised person.
Once their application has been approved, they are required to notify the relevant Provincial Director of Veterinary Services or State Veterinarian at least five days before carrying out vaccinations. Notification can be submitted through the online platform or in writing.
Authorised individuals may then obtain FMD vaccines directly from an authorised veterinarian operating in their area.
The department has also introduced mandatory reporting requirements. Within 14 days of vaccinating livestock, authorised persons must submit a report detailing the animals vaccinated, the vaccine used and the location where the vaccination took place.
Vaccination reports may be submitted through the FMD Reporting system, in writing or through approved third-party digital platforms provided by RMIS, SAAI and Buffalo Analytics. Information captured through these platforms will be shared with the Department of Agriculture for monitoring purposes.
According to Minister Aucamp, the reporting process will help government monitor vaccination progress and provide updated information to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as South Africa works towards restoring its FMD-free status with vaccination.
The department said the system is designed to strengthen collaboration with the livestock industry while supporting national efforts to control foot-and-mouth disease.
