Eastern Cape Commits R55 Million to Combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture is taking decisive action to address the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, with MEC Ms Nonceba Kontsiwe welcoming the provincial government’s intervention through a R55 million emergency funding allocation. This funding is aimed at supporting a comprehensive response to the outbreak, which threatens livestock production, the dairy industry, and broader food security in the province. By injecting significant resources into the sector, the government demonstrates a proactive approach to controlling the disease and minimizing its economic and social impact. The commitment also signals support for farmers and stakeholders affected by FMD, ensuring that they have access to the vaccines and veterinary supplies necessary to protect their herds. MEC Kontsiwe emphasized that the intervention reflects the government’s responsibility to safeguard both livestock health and the sustainability of agricultural production in the Eastern Cape.

The emergency funding has enabled the province to place an order with the state-owned FMD vaccine supplier, Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd (OBP), meeting the company’s procurement requirements. OBP will source vaccines from international manufacturers, including Dolvet Vaccine from Turkey and Biogénesis Bagó from Argentina, to provide a total of approximately 1.05 million doses. This supply ensures that the provincial vaccination rollout can be implemented efficiently and on schedule, targeting high-risk areas to prevent further spread of the disease. By securing vaccines from trusted international suppliers, the government guarantees the quality and efficacy of the immunization programme, which is critical for controlling FMD. The availability of adequate doses also allows for a strategic and phased vaccination plan, prioritizing regions with the highest vulnerability while maintaining coverage across the province.

MEC Kontsiwe highlighted that the intervention extends beyond vaccine procurement, encompassing veterinary medicines and related supplies necessary for the vaccination rollout. These resources include equipment for safe administration, protective gear for veterinary staff, and monitoring tools to track immunization coverage and effectiveness. The provincial government’s support ensures that the vaccination programme is comprehensive, combining medical resources with technical guidance and field-level implementation. MEC Kontsiwe stated, “We are encouraged by these interventions to help the sector recover from the setback caused by Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The outbreak poses a threat to livestock production, the dairy industry, and ultimately food security. These measures will assist in curbing the spread of the disease, protecting livestock and safeguarding jobs in the sector.”

The R55 million intervention demonstrates the Eastern Cape government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of FMD and supporting the agricultural sector during a critical period. By securing sufficient vaccines, veterinary supplies, and technical support, the province is taking concrete steps to control the outbreak and prevent further economic losses. The measures aim to restore confidence among farmers, protect livestock assets, and maintain the stability of the provincial food supply chain. Through coordinated efforts between government, OBP, and international suppliers, the Eastern Cape is strengthening its capacity to respond to animal health emergencies effectively. This intervention sets a precedent for proactive disease management, emphasizing prevention, rapid response, and sustainable support for the livestock industry.