Pretoria: Government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) through a nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at protecting livestock and supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Agriculture has begun rolling out vaccines in affected and high-risk areas as part of a coordinated response to limit the spread of the highly contagious animal disease.
Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. While the disease does not pose a direct threat to human health, outbreaks can have serious consequences for farmers, food security, and trade in livestock and animal products. Through the vaccination campaign, veterinary teams are working closely with farmers, provincial authorities, and industry stakeholders to ensure that susceptible livestock are protected and that outbreaks are brought under control.
The vaccination drive forms part of a broader set of measures that include surveillance, movement control of animals, and strengthened biosecurity practices on farms. The intensified response follows the government’s declaration of foot-and-mouth disease as a national state of disaster, which has enabled additional resources and coordinated interventions to be mobilized to contain the outbreaks.
With the vaccination drive continuing to make its way across the country, communal farmers have not been left out, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, having recently spearheaded efforts to roll out the FMD vaccine campaign. The Minister and MEC oversaw the rollout of the vaccine in Magagula Heights in the East Rand, Gauteng, which was the location of the first FMD outbreak in Gauteng in April 2025.
South Africa is also advancing efforts to strengthen local vaccine development and production capacity to support the country’s long-term ability to prevent and manage animal disease outbreaks. Patience has proven to be a virtue in South Africa’s journey to producing its first batch of the FMD vaccine in over two decades. As the country moves towards becoming self-reliant in vaccine production and manufacturing, it aims to start producing 20,000 doses a week by the end of March 2026, and continue scaling up until it can provide the nation with 200,000 doses every week.
Dr. Faith Peta of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) explained the rigorous process involved in developing the vaccine, which included isolating the virus, growing it in cell cultures, inactivating it, and conducting extensive testing to ensure its safety and efficacy. The vaccine is designed to provide long-lasting immunity of up to a year in cattle, with ongoing research to ensure its effectiveness in other animals like sheep, goats, and pigs.
The government’s efforts also include constructing a new FMD custom facility to enhance the country’s capability in vaccine production. Despite budget constraints, the ARC is committed to scaling up production to meet the national demand for vaccines, crucial for managing current and future outbreaks.
The economic impact of FMD is significant, affecting exports and market share. However, local supply remains sufficient as infected animals recover and re-enter the food chain. Imported vaccines undergo strict regulatory checks to ensure their safety and effectiveness in South Africa.
Public awareness and cooperation are vital in managing FMD. Farmers are urged to report suspected cases to local veterinary services, who will provide assistance and vaccines as necessary. The government heavily subsidizes the vaccine, ensuring it is available to those in need.
The ongoing efforts to control FMD reflect the importance of safeguarding South Africa’s livestock and agricultural sector, crucial for the nation’s economy and food security.