Image Source: Channel Africa
Local – All provincial departments have been put on notice to treat foot-and-mouth disease vaccination as their highest priority in the coming weeks, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen urging rapid action following a landmark vaccine delivery.
The first batch of a 3.5 million-dose consignment of Biogénesis Bagó foot-and-mouth disease vaccines arrived on Sunday. The remaining shipment from Argentina is already in transit and is expected to land before the end of the week.
“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 Minister Steenhuisen.
The arrival of the latest consignment brings the country’s total secured and imported vaccine doses to 13.5 million before the end of May 2026. South Africa is working towards “FMD free with vaccination” status, with the vaccination drive tied directly to protecting rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural exports.
Booster Programme
The department said it was fully prepared to facilitate follow-up consignments for the booster vaccination programme, ensuring second-round vaccinations are administered within the required timelines to establish immunity across the national herd.
The government secured 13.5 million vaccine doses in four months. Minister Steenhuisen said the numbers reflected the scale of the threat, but added that the government could not do it alone.
“Every livestock owner has a responsibility to protect their animals through strict biosecurity measures and full participation in vaccination programmes,” said Minister Steenhuisen.
A Unified National Effort
The Minister called on commercial and communal farmers, veterinarians and industry bodies to take an active role in the campaign. More Animal Health Technicians will be appointed and deployed across affected provinces to strengthen frontline capacity.
“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.
“The stakes could not be higher. This is about protecting jobs, defending rural economies, safeguarding food security, and protecting the national interest,” said Minister Steenhuisen.
