Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has called for national cooperation in halting the spread of a new foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, warning of the potential economic fallout if swift action is not taken.
On Thursday, Dlamini visited several disease control checkpoints across the Shiselweni region, where the outbreak was first reported.
His visit comes just a day before the country is expected to receive its initial shipment of FMD vaccines, with mass immunization campaigns scheduled to begin immediately thereafter.
“This is not our first encounter with foot and mouth disease,” the Prime Minister said, referencing major outbreaks in 1964, 1969, and 2001.
“We are leveraging lessons learned from the past and deploying all necessary resources to contain the situation before it escalates.”
At one of the checkpoints, where vehicles and goods were being disinfected, Dlamini highlighted the risks the outbreak poses to Eswatini’s agricultural economy.
“Our beef export industry is at serious risk,” he warned.
“If this is not addressed urgently, we could see job losses and major setbacks for livestock-dependent communities.”
He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the response efforts, urging residents to avoid transporting cattle, meat products, and even plant materials between regions unless they have obtained official clearance.
These restrictions are part of broader measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), both of which are leading the national response.
As part of its containment strategy, the government has ramped up vehicle spraying and quarantine enforcement at regional borders.
Local veterinary teams are also being mobilized to assist with vaccinations and to monitor the health of livestock in affected areas.
With the first vaccine batch due to arrive on Friday, authorities hope to curb the outbreak before it spreads to other regions.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscored the seriousness of the threat and the urgency of a coordinated, nationwide response.
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