Minister Steenhuisen Secures 2 Million Additional FMD Vaccine Doses as South Africa Escalates Fight Against Foot and Mouth Disease

South Africa’s agricultural sector has received a major boost in its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease following the arrival of 2 million additional doses of the Dollvet vaccine from Turkey. The announcement was made by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, who confirmed that this latest shipment brings the total number of imported vaccine doses coordinated since late February to 8 million. This rapid procurement effort reflects a strong government push to contain the spread of the disease and protect the livestock industry from further economic damage. The scale and speed of the response signal a shift in how animal health crises are being handled in the country. It also highlights the growing urgency to strengthen biosecurity systems that safeguard both food production and rural livelihoods.

Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that the vaccine rollout is only part of a much larger national strategy. With an additional 5 million doses expected soon, South Africa’s total imported vaccine supply will rise to 13 million doses. When combined with 2 million doses secured previously from BVI, the country will reach a total of 15 million doses by the end of May 2026. This supply chain effort is designed to support the vaccination of 80 percent of the national cattle herd, which is estimated at around 14 million animals, by December 2026. The objective is to move the country toward a stable “Foot and Mouth Disease free with vaccination” status. This status is critical for maintaining livestock productivity, protecting export markets, and reducing the long-term impact of recurring outbreaks.

The vaccination campaign is central to protecting South Africa’s agricultural economy. Livestock farming plays a major role in rural employment, food supply, and export earnings. Foot and Mouth Disease disrupts this system by reducing productivity, limiting animal movement, and triggering trade restrictions. Large-scale vaccination helps reduce outbreaks and stabilise herd health across regions. It also lowers financial losses for farmers who often face herd culling, production delays, and restricted market access during outbreaks. By securing millions of doses in advance, the Department of Agriculture is working to ensure continuity in livestock production and reduce uncertainty for farmers.

Biosecurity remains a key focus in the country’s agricultural strategy. Foot and Mouth Disease spreads quickly through animal movement, making early prevention and rapid response essential. The current vaccination drive is supported by improved monitoring systems and coordinated disease management efforts. The Department of Agriculture is also working to strengthen veterinary services and improve surveillance across high-risk areas. These measures are designed to detect outbreaks early and prevent widespread transmission. Strong biosecurity systems are also necessary to meet international animal health standards and protect South Africa’s ability to trade in global markets.

A significant part of the strategy involves regional cooperation within Southern Africa. Minister Steenhuisen highlighted that animal diseases do not respect national borders, making collaboration essential. In Hazyview, Mpumalanga, he joined officials from Eswatini and Mozambique in a joint vaccination effort involving 300 cattle. This demonstration of cross-border cooperation reflects a growing commitment to shared solutions in managing transboundary animal diseases. The approach recognises that isolated national efforts are not enough to fully control outbreaks. Coordinated action between neighbouring countries increases the effectiveness of disease control and reduces reinfection risks.

The Minister also pointed to lessons from South America, where coordinated regional strategies helped control Foot and Mouth Disease more effectively. He stressed that long-term success depends on cooperation rather than isolated action. One of the key proposals is the creation of a SADC antigen bank, which would allow countries in the region to access vaccines quickly when outbreaks occur. This would reduce reliance on slow international procurement processes and improve emergency response times. The idea is to build a shared regional resource that strengthens preparedness and reduces vulnerability across Southern Africa’s livestock sector.

Further strengthening this regional approach, Minister Steenhuisen is expected to chair a meeting of SADC Agriculture Ministers in Zimbabwe later this month. The meeting will focus on developing coordinated systems for animal movement control, livestock traceability, and joint responses to transboundary diseases. These discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for more structured regional cooperation in managing livestock health risks. Improved traceability systems will help track animal movement and reduce the spread of disease between regions. This will also support better decision-making during outbreaks and improve long-term planning for the agricultural sector.

Farmers across South Africa have faced significant losses due to recurring Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. Many communities have experienced restricted market access, reduced income, and increased production costs. The government’s expanded vaccination programme aims to reduce these challenges by lowering outbreak frequency and improving herd immunity. Minister Steenhuisen acknowledged the impact of the disease on farming communities and emphasised the need for urgent, large-scale intervention. The goal is to prevent future outbreaks from causing the same level of disruption. This includes stronger prevention systems, faster response mechanisms, and sustained vaccination coverage.

The ongoing vaccination rollout represents a major step in protecting South Africa’s livestock industry and rural economy. It also reflects a broader commitment to food security and agricultural resilience. By investing in large-scale vaccine imports and regional cooperation, the government is strengthening its ability to manage animal health threats more effectively. The success of this programme will depend on continued coordination between government, farmers, and regional partners. It will also require sustained investment in biosecurity infrastructure and veterinary capacity. If fully implemented, the strategy has the potential to significantly reduce the long-term impact of Foot and Mouth Disease on the country’s agricultural sector.

South Africa’s response to Foot and Mouth Disease is now entering a more structured and proactive phase. The combination of large vaccine supplies, regional collaboration, and improved disease management systems marks a shift in how agricultural threats are addressed. The focus is no longer only on reacting to outbreaks but on preventing them at scale. This approach aims to secure the livestock industry, protect export markets, and support rural livelihoods. It also reinforces agriculture as a stable pillar of the national economy.