SA Secures 6m FMD Vaccines to Protect 14m-Strong Cattle Herd

South Africa is set to receive a major boost in its fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with the first consignment of one million high-potency vaccine doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina expected to arrive this weekend.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that the shipment marks the first phase of a broader supply agreement, with an additional five million doses scheduled for delivery in March, significantly strengthening the country's vaccine stockpile.

National Strategy Targets 80% Herd Immunisation

The vaccines form part of the Department of Agriculture's expanded FMD response strategy, which includes the proactive vaccination of South Africa's national herd of more than 14 million cattle.

The country aims to transition to "FMD-Free Status with Vaccination", a move designed to stabilise the livestock industry, protect rural livelihoods and safeguard export markets.

Steenhuisen said the national target is to vaccinate 80% of the herd by December 2026, a threshold considered critical for effective disease control.

Multiple International Suppliers Bolster Supply

In addition to the Argentine shipment, the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) remains a key supplier. Since the recent outbreak, BVI has delivered two million doses and is expected to continue monthly deliveries.

Further vaccine support will come from Dollvet in Turkey, through its local agent Dunevax, broadening the country's procurement base to ensure supply security.

By the end of March, more than five million doses from three international suppliers are expected to have entered the country.

Local Production Ramps Up

South Africa is also scaling up domestic production capacity.

On 6 February 2026, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) handed over the first batch of 12 900 locally produced FMD vaccine doses, which have since been distributed to provinces.

The ARC has committed to producing:

• 20 000 doses per week in the short term

• Scaling up to 200 000 doses per week by 2027

The expansion of local manufacturing is aimed at reducing reliance on imports and strengthening long-term biosecurity resilience.

Veterinary Capacity Expanded

To accelerate the rollout, veterinary capacity is being expanded nationwide. Steenhuisen confirmed that, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, private veterinarians may register to administer FMD vaccines.

"This will greatly improve the available manpower to ensure that we are able to meet our vaccination target of 80% of the national herd by December this year," he said.

Dedicated FMD Support Line Launched

To support farmers during the outbreak, the Department of Agriculture has established a dedicated FMD Control Centre.

From Wednesday, 18 February, farmers can access a toll-free support line at:

0860 246 640

The line will provide:

• Information on FMD symptoms

• Guidance on movement controls and permits

• Updates on vaccine availability and vaccination programmes

• Practical farm biosecurity advice

A dedicated WhatsApp channel has also been launched to provide real-time updates to farmers and stakeholders.

Quarantine and Movement Controls Enforced

All properties where FMD is suspected or confirmed are immediately placed under quarantine. The movement of live cloven-hoofed animals and unprocessed animal products from affected farms is strictly prohibited.

Farmers are urged to implement stringent biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

Steenhuisen warned that if outbreaks occur in areas where animals are not properly fenced, movement controls cannot be enforced, or landowners fail to cooperate, the Department will consider declaring a Disease Management Area (DMA).

"A DMA is an area that is considered as one epidemiological 'unit', where premises are potentially epidemiologically linked. All properties in the area will be subjected to the same movement control conditions," he said.

Protecting Farmers and the Economy

Steenhuisen emphasised the broader economic stakes, noting that farmers are central to food security and foreign exchange earnings.

"Our farmers are the providers of our food and the backbone of our economy, bringing essential foreign currency into the country. In these tough times, we all need to work together.

"Every South African's support is vital to help our farmers win this war against FMD. By following movement controls and biosecurity protocols, we protect the livelihoods of the entire nation."

With international supplies secured, local production ramping up and expanded veterinary capacity, South Africa's intensified vaccination campaign marks one of the most comprehensive responses to FMD in recent years.