MBABANE – Government has set aside a preliminary budget of E40 million to tackle the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
This was disclosed by the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, on Friday following his meeting with the National Disaster Management Agency’s (NDMA) Chief Executive Officer Victor Mahlalela, with whom he had a high-level meeting on Friday where an emergency response plan was meticulously hammered out.
Dlamini, through a statement said: “Cabinet has approved a preliminary budget of approximately E40 million to address the Foot and Mouth outbreak, which is currently impacting the southern part of the Shiselweni Region, with confirmed cases in at least nine dip tanks.
To help control the spread of the disease, the NDMA has established four checkpoints in various locations throughout the Shiselweni Region to prevent it from reaching other areas of the country.”
He said as someone with expertise in disaster risk management, he was able to offer some insights on this important issue as he highlighted the NDMA’s establishment of four checkpoints specifically designed to prevent the disease from breaching the Shiselweni borders.
Subsequent to the meeting between the premier and Mahlalela, Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla on Saturday toured Foot-and-Mouth Disease checkpoints in Shiselweni, bolstering efforts against the devastating animal outbreak.
Dladla’s tour was part of government’s escalating concern and intensified efforts to ring-fence the highly contagious animal disease that threatens the very backbone of Eswatini’s vital livestock industry.
The acting PM’s presence at the front lines of defence served as a powerful statement, aiming to not only rally checkpoint officials but also to galvanise the nation into a united front against the agricultural menace. At these crucial junctures, every passing vehicle undergoes rigorous fumigation, a testament to the NDMA swift and critical response.
“Our vigilance at these checkpoints is paramount. Combating this disease demands nationwide cooperation; every vehicle, every individual plays a part in preventing its spread to other parts of our beloved Eswatini,” Dladla declared, urging officials to conduct thorough, unbiased inspections.
Accompanying the acting PM were key figures, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, NDMA, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the National Commissioner of Police, Manoma Masango.
NATCOM Masango, in a significant appeal, called upon community police in affected areas to amplify their involvement, recognising their indispensable role in maintaining order and bolstering disease control measures.
The economic implications of this outbreak are immense and previously, Acting Minister for Agriculture, Bongani Nzima, expressed grave concerns about the impact on the nation’s vital livestock and livestock product trade. Disturbingly, reports of cattle exhibiting FMD-like symptoms had reached this publication from farmers in areas like Mantambe, Sikhwebezi, Siyaya and Hlalukane even before the official government announcement.
The alarm bells first truly rang on May 12, 2025, when a suspect animal was identified at the Sikhwebezi (762) Dip-tank. Veterinary staff swiftly responded, discovering two limping animals with suspicious lesions.
Subsequent investigations confirmed four animals with FMD-like lesions on their hooves, tongue and gums across five kraals, with over 20 animals visually observed limping in total at Sikhwebezi. Laboratory tests, both locally and internationally, have since confirmed positive cases, with the outbreak’s proximity to a reported FMD incident in KwaZulu Natal, Pongola, adding another layer of concern.
In response, immediate quarantine measures, including a complete standstill on animal movement, were imposed on all dip-tanks in the Hluthi Sub-region, later extended to include Lavumisa and some Nhlangano dip-tanks. International bodies, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and regional blocs, have been duly notified and the Ministry of Agriculture is actively seeking emergency funding from the NDMA.
The ministry’s control strategy is clear: intensive investigations to define ‘Guard Areas’ and ‘Scheduled Areas’, strict biosecurity measures and mandatory vaccination of all cattle within these designated zones, marked by a hot iron brand. The success of these measures is critical for the country to restore its lucrative livestock trade relations.
Meanwhile, a palpable sense of apprehension hangs heavy over farmers in Shiselweni. With dip tanks temporarily closed and livestock movement suspended, livelihoods are precarious and many feel helpless in the absence of clear treatment guidance.
Matthew Matsebula, President of the Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU), has issued a stern warning to farmers: “Strict compliance with Ministry of Agriculture measures is not an option, it’s a necessity.” While commending the Ministry’s proactive approach, Matsebula expressed hope for a brief quarantine period to minimise market disruptions and financial losses. He implored all farmers to work hand-in-glove with the Ministry, emphasising the urgency of reporting any symptoms or developments to local extension officers.
How to Spot Symptoms:
- Drooling
- Blisters
- Lameness
- Fever
- Sudden death in young animals
Measures and What to Do:
- Report any sick animals to veterinary officials or the police immediately.
- Do not move animals (cattle, pigs, sheep and cloven-hoofed wild animals) out of designated quarantine or infected areas.
- Support all animal and product movement restrictions.
- Keep animals away from infected or potentially infected areas.
- Be aware that FMD can spread through sick animals, contaminated meat/milk, dirty tools, shoes, vehicles, animal feed and shared equipment or sheds.
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