South Africa Strengthens Foot and Mouth Disease Response as 1.5 Million Vaccines Arrive

South Africa has taken a major step in its fight against Foot and Mouth Disease with the arrival of 1.5 million vaccines at OR Tambo International Airport. The National Department of Agriculture Director-General, Mooketsa Ramasodi, formally welcomed the shipment, marking a significant moment in the ongoing national vaccination programme. These vaccines were supplied by Dolvet in Turkey, and they come at a critical time as outbreaks continue to threaten the livestock sector. Farmers, industry stakeholders and government officials see this delivery as a strong reinforcement of the country’s disease control efforts. The introduction of these doses signals decisive action to protect the national herd, rural livelihoods and food security across South Africa.

The arrival of the 1.5 million Dolvet vaccines boosts South Africa’s capacity to vaccinate cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals against FMD at scale. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent the spread of this highly contagious viral disease, which can devastate herds and disrupt trade. These vaccines will be integrated into the national mass vaccination campaign, which aims to reach high-risk areas swiftly and efficiently. The vaccines are set for rapid distribution to provincial veterinary services, ensuring that regional teams can begin immunising animals without delay. This delivery complements earlier shipments and strengthens the overall vaccine supply picture for the country.

Director-General Ramasodi’s remarks at the airport emphasised urgency and unity in the national response. He underscored that the arrival of this consignment represents more than doses of vaccine; it reflects coordinated planning between government, international suppliers and veterinarians. The focus remains on protecting farmers and the agricultural economy by reducing new infections and containing existing outbreaks. Officials also highlighted that this supply increases confidence in the programme’s ability to reach vulnerable herds across multiple provinces. The message sent was clear: South Africa will continue to push back against FMD until it is controlled and ultimately eradicated.

The strengthened vaccination programme has benefits that extend beyond individual farms. By expanding immunity within the national herd, the programme helps maintain market access for livestock products both locally and internationally. It also reduces the risk of prolonged movement restrictions that can affect trade and farm income. For rural communities that rely on livestock for food and income, effective disease control supports stability and resilience. Ensuring vaccine availability is therefore not only a veterinary priority, it is a matter of economic and social importance for many South Africans.

The arrival of these vaccines underscores South Africa’s commitment to decisive action against Foot and Mouth Disease. The 1.5 million doses from Turkey significantly boost the national vaccination effort at a time when strong response measures are critical. With these supplies on the ground, veterinarians and animal health teams can intensify efforts to reach more animals quickly. For the agricultural sector, this support renews hope for safeguarding livestock, protecting jobs and securing food production. As South Africa advances its national response, the emphasis remains on collaboration, rapid deployment and lasting protection for the nation’s livestock.