Implications for farmers in South Africa who voluntarily vaccinate their clinically healthy dairy herds for FMD

To avoid the spread and devastating effects of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), dairy farmers in the FMD-affected area of the Eastern Cape have requested that their animals be vaccinated against FMD as a precautionary measure. It is important that dairy farmers and the processors who collect their milk are aware of the consequences of having their healthy herds vaccinated against BEK, before requesting vaccination. Read more about foot and mouth disease and vaccines here. Give clarity This document has been compiled by Melk SA to provide clarity on how a farm that is BEK negative will be affected under current regulations, if the herd is vaccinated against BEK: Until the farm is declared BEK-free, cloven hooves may only be moved from the farm for slaughter purposes under a Red Cross permit. Animals may not be sold or moved for any other reason, unless permission is granted by the state veterinarian (which will only be considered under exceptional circumstances) - and even then only ...