Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini continues to intensify nationwide efforts to contain and eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), as His Excellency The Right Honorable Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini led a high-level frontline inspection visit at the Mzimnene Dip Tank in Ngwane Park on April 15, 2026.
The visit formed part of strengthened national containment operations aimed at protecting the livestock sector, safeguarding rural livelihoods, and preventing further spread of the disease across affected and at-risk regions.
During the inspection, the Prime Minister assessed dip tank operations on the ground and received a detailed briefing on vaccination progress, surveillance expansion, and enforcement of livestock movement controls across the country.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, together with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, who outlined ongoing response strategies including mass vaccination campaigns, strengthened road checkpoints, and enhanced biosecurity enforcement measures.
Authorities reported steady progress in the national response, noting that vaccination coverage continues to increase as government intensifies efforts to protect cattle populations, while surveillance systems and farmer engagement programmes continue to be strengthened.
Speaking during the visit, the Prime Minister directly reaffirmed government’s position, stating,“We are fully committed to eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease in the country. Through the ongoing road control programme and coordinated national efforts, we are doing everything possible to bring this outbreak under control.”
He further emphasized the progress already achieved, saying, “We are encouraged that more than 40% of cattle have already been vaccinated nationwide, which shows that our response is gaining momentum and delivering results on the ground.”
At the same time, he urged continued public cooperation, adding, “However, this fight requires all of us. Emaswati must continue to strictly observe all veterinary protocols and work hand in hand with government to support containment efforts.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the outcome of the national response, “With continued cooperation, discipline, and shared responsibility from all stakeholders, I am confident that we will succeed in containing and eliminating this outbreak within the coming months.”
He also stressed that cattle remain a vital pillar of Eswatini’s economy, warning that livestock health is directly linked to food security, rural livelihoods, and national economic stability.
Government has reiterated that sustained cooperation between farmers, communities, and authorities remains essential to fully restore stability within the livestock sector.
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