Diseases

HPAI is most common in the spring and fall along the migration route of wild birds.

With livestock forming a major part of Afghanistan’s rural economy, the ongoing vaccination drive is viewed as a critical step in mitigating long-term food insecurity in the wake of worsening economic and humanitarian conditions.

The government is betting that swift action, long-term investment in vaccine production and stricter biosecurity will help contain FMD and restore stability to one of South Africa’s most valuable agricultural sectors.

FMD is characterised by fever and blisters in the mouth and on the feet of affected livestock, accompanied by lameness. Although few adult animals succumb to disease, young ones may die from sudden heart failure.

Carcasses of dead cattle have been left for days, sparking fears of a spreading health crisis and blaming government inaction.