Government ramps up livestock vaccinations as major FMD vaccine shipment arrives.
Image: INDEPENDENT MEDIA
South Africa has received the first batch of a record 3.5 million-dose consignment of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, as government intensifies efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the country’s livestock sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture John Steenhuisen confirmed that the initial shipment of Biogénesis Bagó vaccines arrived on Sunday, with the remainder of the consignment from Argentina expected to arrive later this week.
He has urged provincial departments to prioritise rapid vaccination efforts in the coming weeks to curb the spread of the disease.
"This is the largest single consignment of FMD vaccines ever imported into South Africa. Provinces must now move with speed and urgency to scale up frontline vaccination efforts and protect our national herd of approximately 14 million cattle," said Steenhuisen.
With the arrival of the latest shipment, South Africa is expected to have secured and imported a total of 13.5 million vaccine doses by the end of May 2026.
The department said the imports form part of a broader strategy to achieve and maintain the country's 'FMD free with vaccination' status, while protecting rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural exports.
Authorities said preparations are already under way to facilitate the importation of additional consignments needed for a booster vaccination programme, aimed at ensuring long-term immunity across the national herd.
"The acquisition of 13.5 million doses in just four months demonstrates the seriousness with which we are confronting this disease," Steenhuisen said.
He added: "If we maintain this disciplined and aggressive trajectory, and ensure these vaccines are administered rapidly and effectively, we can ensure that South Africa never again experiences outbreaks on this scale. But government cannot do this alone.
"Every livestock owner has a responsibility to protect their animals through strict biosecurity measures, compliance with movement controls, and full participation in vaccination and identification programmes."
The minister stressed that defeating foot-and-mouth disease would require coordinated action between government, the agricultural sector and farming communities.
"This is a moment that demands partnership and collective action. Commercial farmers, communal farmers, veterinarians, industry bodies and government all have a role to play if we are to defeat this disease and secure the future of our livestock sector."
He added: "The stakes could not be higher. This is about protecting jobs, defending rural economies, safeguarding food security, and protecting the national interest."
To support the accelerated vaccination campaign, the department said additional Animal Health Technicians will be appointed and deployed to affected provinces to strengthen frontline operations and expand vaccination capacity.
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