South Africa is intensifying efforts to control Foot and Mouth Disease, with nearly 950 000 animals already vaccinated in high-risk areas.
The vaccination programme targets feedlots, commercial and communal farms in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Eastern Cape, while protection zones are being established to safeguard FMD-free provinces, including the Western Cape.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of the government’s comprehensive strategy.
“South Africa now has a realistic and technically sound roadmap to realise its goal of FMD-free status with vaccination, a crucial step for restoring confidence in export markets and stabilising this livestock industry. This will, however, take time. We need cooperation of the industry to ensure that we manage to control the disease within a short space of time.”
The strategy, developed after the July 2025 FMD Bosberaad, combines vaccination, livestock identification, movement controls, diagnostic expansion, and awareness campaigns. The nationwide vaccination rollout will continue into 2026, starting in February with high-risk areas and gradually expanding to other regions.
“Achieving FMD freedom with vaccination is a monumental task that requires sustained effort over many years. We urge every farmer, transporter, and stakeholder to partner with us and maintain strict biosecurity,” Steenhuisen added.
The Botswana Vaccine Institute will supply 1 million doses per month, supported by locally produced vaccines from the Agricultural Research Council.
Photo: X/@jsteenhuisen
