Farmers across South Africa may finally get some relief from the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak following the arrival of the first one million high-potency vaccines from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina.
The vaccines landed at O. R. Tambo International Airport on Saturday, forming part of a steady supply chain that will include additional shipments from Botswana and Turkey in the coming weeks. By the end of March, more than five million doses are expected to be available nationwide.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the vaccines will accelerate protection efforts in key provinces and help stabilise the livestock sector.
“Vaccination has already started in affected areas, but limited supply has constrained both speed and coverage,” he said.
He added that the new consignment would enable authorities to move more quickly to protect livestock.
TLU SA welcomed the arrival of the vaccines but emphasised that farmers must comply with regulations to control the outbreak.
Its spokesperson, Bennie Van Zyl, said strict adherence to quarantine measures, movement restrictions and surveillance protocols is essential.
“Farmers must comply with all biosecurity measures. Those who move animals illegally or ignore restrictions risk undoing the progress we are making,” he said.
He added that collaboration with the private sector is equally important.
“Working together with government and private stakeholders is critical if we are to contain this outbreak.”
The Agricultural Research Council plans to produce 20,000 vaccines per week locally, with the aim of increasing production to 200,000 doses per week by 2027.
The Department of Agriculture warned that outbreaks have now been reported in all provinces. A risk-based vaccination strategy will prioritise high-risk regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng.
Photo: X/ @DOAgov_ZA
