Durban: Government has formally lifted FMD restrictions within the KwaZulu-Natal Disease Management Area (DMA), signalling a shift in strategy as vaccination efforts intensify nationwide. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen stated that the decision is not merely administrative but signifies a change in the epidemiological situation of the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, since the first Disease Management Area was declared in 2021, the agricultural sector in the province has operated under movement controls to protect the national herd. Minister Steenhuisen emphasized the necessity for strategy evolution as the situation changes, highlighting that lifting the DMA does not reduce vigilance but moves towards a unified approach.
The Minister announced the development of a countrywide movement control protocol for all cloven-hoofed animals, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards across provinces. By publishing the rescission in the Government Gazette, KZN farmers will operate under a unified rule set, protecting livelihoods and agricultural integrity. The move ends years of economic burdens imposed since 2021 due to movement controls.
Meanwhile, the government has vaccinated over 2.5 million animals across South Africa since the large-scale vaccine acquisition began in April 2026, with KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State receiving the largest shares. A total of 766,508 animals have been vaccinated in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by significant numbers in other provinces.
The Minister detailed the financial commitment, with R238.2 million invested in initial vaccine procurement from Biog©nesis Bag³ and Dollvet. Projected expenditures will exceed R644.5 million, excluding R72 million spent last year on Botswana Vaccine Institute doses. The Agricultural Research Council has resumed limited vaccine production, enhancing capacity with a new production fermenter to boost domestic supply.
Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of combining international procurement with local production to ensure long-term resilience.