Over 1,300 Cattle Vaccinated in Eastern Cape as FMD Containment Efforts Intensify

Efforts to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa have gained further momentum, with more than 1,300 cattle vaccinated in the Ngobozana Administrative area in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.

The vaccination campaign, conducted on Friday, forms part of a broader provincial and national drive that has already seen over 302,000 cattle inoculated since the arrival of FMD vaccines in the country.

Coordinated response to protect livestock

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Zoleka Capa, who participated in the campaign, commended the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture for its proactive response to the outbreak. She emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts in safeguarding livestock and protecting rural livelihoods that depend heavily on animal farming.

"We are encouraged by the strong turnout of farmers supporting the campaign to ensure their cattle are vaccinated. We aim to continue with programmes that will help keep livestock healthy," Capa said.

Farmers welcome vaccination drive

Local farmers have welcomed the intervention, highlighting both the economic impact of the disease and previous challenges in accessing vaccines.

Sipho Giwu, a farmer from the area, noted that FMD has led to significant livestock losses across the country and expressed relief that vaccination efforts have reached his community.

He also pointed to additional government initiatives such as livestock tagging, which is being promoted to help combat stock theft—a persistent concern in the province.

Vaccine supply strengthened nationally

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently confirmed that government has secured a steady supply of vaccines to sustain the national campaign.

So far, four million doses have been procured, including:

• 2.5 million doses from Biogénesis Bagó

• 1.5 million doses from Dollvet

An additional two million doses from Dollvet are expected by the end of April, while a further order of five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó has been placed through Onderstepoort Biological Products. Of these, 3.5 million doses are anticipated to arrive before the end of April 2026.

Risk-based vaccination strategy

Authorities are implementing a risk-based approach to vaccination, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible livestock. This targeted strategy is aimed at containing outbreaks more effectively and preventing wider transmission.

Towards long-term disease control

In a move to strengthen long-term disease management, Minister Steenhuisen announced plans on 10 April 2026 to introduce a Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD under the Animal Diseases Act of 1984.

The draft framework, which underwent public consultation until 17 April, is expected to be finalised and published on 24 April 2026. The scheme is intended to provide a structured and sustainable approach to controlling FMD outbreaks in the future.

As vaccination efforts continue to expand, authorities remain focused on protecting the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the country.