Pretoria: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has formally published the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD), introducing a new framework to strengthen disease management in South Africa's livestock sector. The draft scheme, established under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), marks a significant shift toward a voluntary, nationwide framework for managing one of the most economically impactful viral diseases in the livestock sector.
According to South African Government News Agency, Steenhuisen stated that the RVS-FMD is designed to facilitate coordinated vaccination efforts for domesticated cloven-hoofed animals. By establishing a formal structure for routine vaccination, the department aims to mitigate disease risk and ensure the continuity of business operations for participating farmers and livestock owners. "The objective of this scheme is to mitigate against the risk of FMD and create an enabling environment for continued business operations for participants," Steenhuisen said.
The scheme focuses on partnerships, with a cost-sharing mechanism and phased implementation to promote equitable participation and safeguard the agricultural economy. The proposed scheme introduces several crucial oversight and operational mechanisms, including the formation of a dedicated committee with state and private veterinarians, experts in virology and vaccinology, and representatives from agricultural associations such as the dairy, feedlot, small stock, and pick industries.
To ensure participation, all animals must be uniquely identified and recorded on a national traceability system, including branding, tattooing, or electronic ear tags. This ensures every animal's life cycle and vaccination status are monitored, with strict oversight of vaccine receipt, cold chain management, and vaccination techniques.
While enrolment is voluntary and open to livestock owners across the country, participants must comply with biosecurity plans and regular audits to maintain their status. Steenhuisen emphasized that the draft Routine Vaccination Scheme represents a decisive step forward in South Africa's sustained effort to bring FMD under control, moving beyond reactive containment toward a proactive, risk-based system built on partnership, traceability, and accountability.
"By aligning industry and government around a shared framework for vaccination and biosecurity, the scheme strengthens our ability to reduce outbreaks, protect the national herd, and restore confidence in our livestock sector. In doing so, it marks a meaningful leap forward in our war against FMD, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience, improved market access, and eventual return to internationally recognised disease-free status with vaccination," Steenhuisen added.
The Department of Agriculture invites all interested parties to submit comments or representations regarding the proposed scheme within seven calendar days of the notice. The notice was gazetted on 10 April 2026. Submissions should be directed to Dr EM Mogajane from the FMD Command at [email protected].