Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at eradicating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) from the country.
The plan aims not only to eradicate this crippling disease but also to restore confidence in export markets, potentially impacting a sector valued at R80 billion.
On Thursday, Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the government’s action plan, developed in collaboration with the Ministerial Advisory Task Team on Animal Disease Prevention and Control. ‘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,’ he stated.
The plan, titled FMD Free with Vaccination, aligns with the recommendations put forth during the Bosberaad in July 2025, which convened over 400 stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and industry representatives.
This multidisciplinary approach aims to blend reinforced existing controls with the Progressive Control Pathway Framework, focusing on reliable vaccine supply, livestock identification, movement management, expansion of diagnostic capacity, and robust awareness campaigns.
Central to the government’s strategy is the goal of reducing FMD incidents by 70% in high-risk areas within the next two years and Steenhuisen revealed that approximately 950,000 animals have already received vaccinations from government-sourced vaccine stocks.
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As part of this proactive approach, Steenhuisen confirmed that the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) is prepared to deliver one million doses of the vaccine monthly starting in mid-January 2026.
The roll-out will focus on ensuring 90% vaccination coverage in communal, commercial, and feedlot areas, and a complete vaccination of dairy cows to uphold safety in trade.
In tandem with vaccination efforts, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is making strides in establishing a mid-scale manufacturing facility that aims to produce multivalent vaccines as demand increases.
To complement these efforts, the Onderstepoort Veterinary Laboratory will bolster its diagnostic capacity by hiring additional veterinary technologists, allowing for a greater response to outbreaks.
However, concerns regarding vaccine availability have been raised by the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO). In recent weeks, the MPO received the opportunity to order vaccines but showed limited initial uptake.
Now, with the critical spread of FMD affecting dairy farms, the MPO has taken steps to secure vaccinations, illustrating the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Within the next two months, pivotal developments are anticipated, including the launch of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) by mid-January. This system is expected to enhance the tracking of vaccinated animals, thereby improving the overall management of livestock health.
As the outbreak currently impacts seven provinces namely North West, Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal urgent measures are being implemented to establish protection zones and prevent further spread of the disease.
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