South Africa Produces First Locally Made Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines in Over 20 Years

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) have completed the first batch of locally produced Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines in more than two decades at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility. The vaccine was developed entirely by ARC scientists and technical teams, using local expertise and infrastructure to restore South Africa’s production capability. Local vaccine production had stopped in 2005 due to limitations in infrastructure and compliance, and rebuilding the capability required years of research on virus strains, upgrades to facilities, and implementation of strict biosafety and regulatory standards. The completion of this first batch represents a major milestone in strengthening national animal health and biosecurity.

Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination forms one part of a broader control strategy, which also includes surveillance, movement control, and carefully regulated rollout of the vaccine. The Department of Agriculture oversees policy, procurement, and distribution decisions, while the ARC focuses on scientific research and production capacity. This approach ensures that vaccination is safe, effective, and integrated with other disease management measures to prevent outbreaks and protect the livestock sector. The successful production of these vaccines demonstrates South Africa’s growing ability to respond independently to animal disease threats.

The first batch is not yet widely available to all farmers, as production is being scaled up in a phased manner to meet demand while maintaining quality and safety standards. Scientists and officials emphasize that careful rollout is essential to ensure the vaccines reach priority areas and vulnerable herds first. The milestone also signals long-term plans for self-sufficiency in veterinary vaccines, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing national food security. Stakeholders in the livestock industry are encouraged to monitor updates from the Department of Agriculture on availability and implementation schedules.

This development strengthens South Africa’s capacity to manage Foot and Mouth Disease and highlights the critical role of local scientific expertise. By combining advanced research, modernized facilities, and coordinated policy oversight, the country is better equipped to prevent outbreaks, safeguard livestock, and support farmers. The ARC’s achievement reflects years of dedicated work and represents a turning point in domestic veterinary vaccine production. Over time, scaled-up production will help secure a stable supply of vaccines for broader national use.

Farmers and industry leaders are optimistic about the impact of locally produced vaccines, which promise faster response times and lower dependency on imports. The initiative is expected to contribute to healthier livestock populations, reduce economic losses from disease outbreaks, and improve trade confidence in South African animal products. As production scales up, more farms will gain access to the vaccines, reinforcing national efforts to control Foot and Mouth Disease and protect the agricultural sector. This milestone marks a significant step forward for veterinary science and livestock management in the country.