South Africa Eyes Alternative FMD Vaccine Amid BVI Production Halt

The temporary halt in vaccine production at the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has increased urgency for alternative supplies to combat the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa. The institute is undergoing sterilisation upgrades and is only expected to resume manufacturing in January 2026, creating pressure on the country’s existing vaccine reserves.

Dr Peter Evans, lead veterinarian at the Red Meat Industry Services Operational Centre and member of the Industry-Government Task Team on Animal Disease Prevention, Management, and Control, highlighted the potential of the Dollvet vaccine. He explained that the oil-based vaccine provides longer-lasting immunity compared to the water-based BVI vaccine, which typically protects animals for about three months. Evans indicated that if all regulatory approvals are met, Dollvet doses could be available from January 2026.

The vaccine could be especially beneficial for dairy and stud operations aiming to lower the risk of infection. Evans stressed the need for careful planning regarding dosage and long-term disease management. He estimated that preventative vaccination of all dairy herds outside uninfected zones could require roughly 800 000 doses. Discussions on stud herd vaccination are ongoing as part of national contingency planning.

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) has long promoted preventative vaccination as a proactive measure. MPO Chief Executive Fanie Ferreira noted concerns about current vaccine availability and effectiveness. The organisation is working with government to evaluate the Dollvet vaccine, though clarity on national inventory levels remains limited. At present, confirmed vaccine volumes are only available for the feedlot sector.

Carina Pieterse, MPO communications manager, said distribution of the Dollvet vaccine will be controlled through veterinarian-led risk assessments. Preventative vaccination will only be approved where assessments justify the need and are supported by submissions to assigned state veterinarians. The MPO will coordinate the purchase process and act as a link between farmers, veterinarians, and authorities.

Operational adjustments will be required once the Dollvet vaccine is in use. As a 12-month, oil-based formulation with a DIVA marker, the vaccine requires two doses per year. Farms will need to schedule biannual vaccinations and follow the adjusted protocol. DIVA technology allows veterinarians to distinguish between vaccinated animals and those exposed to live virus, supporting disease monitoring and control.

The MPO continues to advocate for preventative vaccination as part of a long-term FMD management strategy. The organisation is engaging stakeholders to identify alternative vaccines, influence national protocol updates, and ensure private veterinary involvement. FMD remains a state-controlled disease, and the MPO is committed to aligning industry practices with regulations while promoting science-based, proactive solutions to protect South Africa’s dairy herd.