The Directorate of Veterinary Services has commenced with compulsory Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination in the ||Kharas Region's Karasburg state veterinary district.

The Karasburg veterinary district is the epicenter since its outbreak on a farm.

The disease has since spread to more farms in the area.

In a veterinary public notice issued, large and small livestock farmers are required to present their animals at designated areas, dates, and times specified by the district state veterinarian.

Commencing Wednesday, the compulsory FMD vaccination campaign will consist of three rounds to be conducted within a period of three months, unless extended by the notice from the Chief Veterinary Officer.

All specified cloven-hoofed animals must be presented at each round.

Farmers are further required to ensure that suitable facilities and labour are available to assist the veterinary officials during the administration of the vaccine.

In addition, no private importation, nor possession, or independent administration of FMD vaccines within the FMD-free zone is strictly prohibited.

Only state supplied vaccines administered by authorised veterinary officials are allowed.

The earmarked vaccination areas include a band of two farms and establishments north of the B3 road from Ariamsvlei to Grunau and all farms and establishments south of the B3 road up until the Orange River.

It also includes a band of two farms and establishments north of the BC1-C10 road and all farms and establishments south of the C10 road up until the Orange River.

Livestock farmers failing to comply with the compulsory vaccination directive may face some specific penalties for non-compliance in accordance with the Animal Health Act.