Minister John Steenhuisen Launches Nationwide Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination in KwaZulu-Natal

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, will officially launch South Africa’s nationwide mass vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) this Friday in KwaZulu-Natal. The rollout represents a critical intervention aimed at safeguarding the national herd from a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. This initiative follows the recent arrival of one million high-potency vaccine doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina on 21 February 2026, marking the largest single consignment of FMD vaccines ever imported into the country. The arrival of these vaccines serves as the operational “kickstart” of the Department of Agriculture’s 10-Year Strategic Plan to immunize South Africa’s livestock. Additional millions of doses have already been procured and are expected to arrive in the coming months, ensuring continuity of the vaccination program.

The vaccination campaign will be implemented in a strategically phased manner, prioritizing high-risk regions before gradually expanding to lower-risk areas. This approach ensures that areas most vulnerable to FMD outbreaks receive protection first, minimizing the spread of the disease and reducing economic losses in the livestock sector. Farmers and veterinary services in KwaZulu-Natal will play a central role in facilitating mass vaccination, helping to ensure efficient coverage across farms and communal grazing areas. The phased rollout also allows for monitoring and evaluation, enabling authorities to adjust strategies based on real-time data and outbreak patterns. By targeting resources and interventions strategically, the Department aims to achieve maximum impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

The vaccines themselves are high-potency and designed to provide long-lasting immunity against multiple strains of FMD, giving livestock a strong defense against potential outbreaks. Veterinary teams will follow strict protocols to ensure safe administration and maintain the integrity of the cold chain during distribution. The program also includes farmer education and awareness initiatives, emphasizing the importance of compliance, reporting of suspected cases, and biosecurity measures on farms. These efforts are critical to preventing the introduction and spread of the disease, protecting both commercial and communal livestock operations. The comprehensive nature of the campaign demonstrates the government’s commitment to animal health and agricultural stability.

The nationwide vaccination rollout also underscores the economic significance of FMD prevention in South Africa. Outbreaks can lead to substantial losses in the meat, dairy, and wool industries, affecting livelihoods, export markets, and rural economies. By proactively vaccinating the national herd, the Department of Agriculture aims to secure both the productivity of livestock and the financial stability of farming communities. The program further strengthens South Africa’s compliance with international animal health standards, supporting trade and protecting the reputation of the country’s agricultural sector. Farmers, veterinary professionals, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively to ensure the program’s success.

The launch event will take place at Colbourne Dairy Farm near Mooi River in the uMngeni Municipality at 10:00 on Friday, 27 February 2026, and media coverage is invited to document the official start of this critical national initiative. The mass vaccination rollout represents a major milestone in South Africa’s fight against FMD, combining science, strategic planning, and community engagement to protect livestock and rural livelihoods. With one million high-potency vaccines already on the ground and additional doses arriving soon, the program is set to provide long-term security for the national herd. The initiative highlights the government’s proactive approach to disease prevention, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to animal health, agricultural sustainability, and economic resilience.