The department’s technical spokesperson, Botlhe Modisane, however, says it depends on the situation, while there are other risks that have to be considered when vaccination takes place. He says when those animals are tested after a long time they will most likely test positive because they would have been exposed to the virus through the vaccine itself.

OFM News’ Christal-Lize Muller spoke to Modisane.

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He says the department’s veterinary services are currently vaccinating in some of the source areas which have been identified, such as the Vhembe district. These areas are enclosed. Animals which are at risk and not necessarily infected animals are being vaccinated, because vaccination is preventative and not curative. He confirmed the department is getting vaccines from Botswana. Modisane says it is not advised to slaughter animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease because it might distribute the disease further. Animals that have recovered from the disease can be safely slaughtered.

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