Johannesburg – The South African Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, officially received the first consignment of one million high-potency Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines this past Saturday, February 21. The arrival marks a critical turning point in the country’s efforts to suppress viral circulation across all provinces.
The shipment, sourced from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina, is the first phase of a robust international supply pipeline. Additional consignments are expected from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) and Dollvet in Turkey over the coming weeks. By the end of March, the department anticipates that over five million doses will have entered the country from these three suppliers.
Scaling Up Production and Distribution
While South Africa scales up international procurement, local capacity is also being revitalized. The Agriculture Research Council (ARC) has committed to producing 20,000 vaccines per week, with a target of increasing production to 200,000 doses per week by 2027.
The department has outlined a distribution plan for the initial one million doses to ensure a coordinated national response:
KwaZulu-Natal: 200,000 doses; Free State: 200,000 doses; Eastern Cape: 150,000 doses; North West: 100,000 doses; Mpumalanga: 100,000 doses; Limpopo: 100,000 doses; Gauteng: 70,000 doses; Northern Cape: 50,000 doses; Western Cape: 30,000 doses
Risk-Based Strategy
With FMD outbreaks now reported nationwide, the department is shifting from reactive outbreak management to broader suppression. A risk-based approach will prioritize epicenters in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, and North West, alongside high-risk border regions.
“Vaccination has already begun in affected areas, but supply has limited the speed and coverage,” said Steenhuisen in a media release on 21 February. “With this arrival, we can now accelerate protection across priority provinces and stabilize the livestock sector.”
Enforcement and Recovery
Steenhuisen emphasized that the vaccination campaign must be supported by strict biosecurity. He warned that those who move animals illegally or ignore quarantine rules threaten the recovery of the entire agricultural sector. "Where there is willful non-compliance, the full might of the law will be applied," he stated.
A particular focus remains on the dairy industry, which has faced significant production losses. Minister Steenhuisen is scheduled to visit Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal on February 27 to participate in the vaccination of dairy cattle, signaling a move toward recovery at the farm level.
Support for the Farming Community
To assist farmers during the crisis, a dedicated FMD Control Centre has been established. Starting this Wednesday, a toll-free support line (0860 246 640) will offer guidance on symptoms, movement permits, and vaccine availability. Farmers can also receive real-time updates through the department’s official WhatsApp channel.
