南非拟扩大国内疫苗生产以遏制口蹄疫蔓延

Core Viewpoint - South Africa is facing an uncontrolled outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), prompting the government to expand domestic vaccine production and implement additional measures to curb the spread of the disease [1]. Group 1: Current Situation - There are currently 274 unresolved outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa, affecting provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga [1]. - The outbreaks are present in various facilities, including breeding farms and feeding lots [1]. Group 2: Government Response - The South African government plans to enhance its disease prevention measures, which include improving sampling and diagnostic capabilities, strengthening livestock identification and tracing, and increasing vaccine accessibility [1]. - South Africa will import more vaccines from Botswana while also expanding its domestic production capacity [1]. - A new vaccine production facility with an annual capacity of 150,000 to 200,000 doses is expected to be operational by March 2026 [1]. Group 3: Disease Overview - Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection that spreads among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, with symptoms including fever and blisters in the mouth and on the hooves [1]. - While the disease rarely infects humans, there is a potential risk of transmission through close contact with infected animals [1].