Continuous Supply of Dipping Chemicals Strengthens Livestock Health Across KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal's livestock sector continues to receive a major boost as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development strengthens animal health programmes through the continuous supply of dipping chemicals and an ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination campaign. MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa says the initiative is critical to protecting farmers' livestock, preventing disease outbreaks, and supporting sustainable agricultural production across the province.
By NWN Editor · 2026/07/27 · 2 min read
By NWN Media – Digital Voice of KZN
KwaZulu-Natal – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding livestock health through the continuous supply of dipping chemicals to the province's 2,286 dip tanks, a move aimed at preventing animal diseases and controlling external parasites.
During an oversight visit to dip tanks in the King Cetshwayo and iLembe districts, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said ensuring farmers have uninterrupted access to acaricides remains a top priority for the department.
The visit comes as both districts continue an intensive vaccination campaign targeting nearly 200,000 animals against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
"As a farmer myself, one of my key priorities when I was appointed MEC was to ensure that all our dip tanks are adequately supplied with dipping chemicals. Regular dipping remains one of the most effective and affordable ways of protecting livestock against ticks, lice, mites and flies while reducing the spread of tick-borne diseases affecting cattle, sheep and goats," said MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
The MEC also engaged directly with livestock owners, who raised concerns about water shortages during the winter months and the challenges posed by oversized dip tanks that require larger volumes of dipping chemicals.
She acknowledged these concerns, noting that the department is assessing possible interventions, including the provision of boreholes where underground water resources are available.
"In some areas, the issue is not the shortage of dipping chemicals but the larger size of the dip tanks. We will assess these cases and consider increasing chemical allocations where necessary. We are also exploring long-term solutions to water shortages, including the feasibility of drilling boreholes," she said.
The department reported encouraging progress in its Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination campaign. Between 22 and 26 July 2026, veterinary teams vaccinated 53,974 animals within just five days.
Vaccination Progress:
King Cetshwayo District: 39,445 animals vaccinated
iLembe District: 14,529 animals vaccinated
The first phase of the vaccination programme will continue in both districts until 5 August 2026, after which efforts will shift to the remaining Amajuba and uMzinyathi districts.
NWN Media View
The continued availability of dipping chemicals and the accelerated vaccination campaign demonstrate the importance of proactive animal health management in protecting KwaZulu-Natal's agricultural economy. Supporting emerging and commercial farmers with essential veterinary services remains critical in preventing disease outbreaks, improving livestock productivity, and strengthening food security across the province.
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