Concerns over foot and mouth disease vaccines as South Africa grapples with outbreak

The South African red meat industry is currently facing a pressing challenge with the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, characterised by a notable shortfall in available vaccines.

However, industry leaders have assured stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm, as the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that more vaccine imports are on the horizon.

Dewald Olivier, CEO of the Red Meat Industry Services, on Tuesday said that the current FMD outbreak was being managed, but it cannot yet be described as fully under control.

“Outbreaks remain localised in certain areas, and containment zones together with movement restrictions in place to limit further spread. What is important is that industry and government are working more closely than in previous years, which has improved coordination of the response,” he said.

On vaccines, Olivier added that there was currently a shortfall relative to the total national demand.

“Some stocks are available and being deployed strategically, but they are not yet sufficient to cover all high-risk herds. Some stocks are available and being deployed strategically, but they are not yet sufficient to cover all high-risk herds,” Olivier said.

“Additional vaccine consignments are being investigated to source from, both through local production and international supply channels, with deliveries expected in the coming months. The priority remains securing a consistent supply pipeline to ensure regular vaccination cycles rather than ad hoc interventions.”

Dr Frikkie Mare, CEO of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO), said that the FMD outbreak still has new cases being reported as the government and the industry work to control the outbreak.

Last month, the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) reiterated its call for a provincial disaster declaration and a coordinated and inclusive response - one that empowers all livestock owners to comply with disease control protocols while ensuring no farmer is left without the support needed to survive.

Kwanalu said that in many rural communities, the sale of a single animal is a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality.

“Kwanalu warns that unless urgent support mechanisms are introduced, including education, mobile permit access, a market within the DMA, and veterinary services, compliance will remain out of reach for many.”

Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu, said they were seeing intense pressure across the board.

“Some of the country’s most established commercial operations are at risk of closure, while small-scale farmers face impossible choices between following the law and feeding their families,” she said.

Dipepeneneng Serage, deputy director-general of the Department of Agriculture, said a State of Disaster was more restrictive than a Disaster Management Area.

“The FMD outbreak will in any way not meet the requirements of disaster declaration. We are expecting more doses of FMD vaccines and are in the process of importing more,” Serage said.

BUSINESS REPORT