“South Africa has received two million new Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine doses, boosting a nationwide campaign that has already surpassed five million vaccinations. The intensified effort aims to protect the cattle industry, stabilize the agricultural value chain, and mitigate billions in projected economic losses.”
South Africa’s battle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) reached a pivotal moment this week as the government confirmed the arrival of two million additional vaccine doses at OR Tambo International Airport. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the development, emphasizing that a consistent vaccine supply is vital to controlling the outbreak that has spread across all provinces. This latest shipment of Dollvet vaccines adds momentum to a campaign that has already administered more than five million doses nationwide, marking one of the largest livestock vaccination drives in the country’s history.
The outbreak, caused by the SAT2 strain of the virus, has devastated South Africa’s R80 billion beef industry, leading to a 26% drop in exports in 2025 and continued restrictions from key markets such as China, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and the United Kingdom. A study by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy estimated that the current outbreak could cost the livestock sector R13.1 billion over the next five years, including R11.3 billion in lost production value and R1.8 billion in lost export revenue.
Provincial Vaccination Progress
- KwaZulu-Natal: 1,163,193 doses
- Free State: 1,015,020 doses
- Eastern Cape: 891,924 doses
- North West: 753,522 doses
- Mpumalanga: 531,096 doses
- Limpopo: 357,045 doses
- Gauteng: 351,945 doses
- Western Cape: 309,044 doses
- Northern Cape: 114,071 doses
These figures highlight the scale of the campaign, with KwaZulu-Natal leading due to its role as the epicenter of the outbreak. The Free State recently crossed the one million mark, reflecting strong provincial mobilization.
Domestic Vaccine Production
In addition to imports, South Africa is scaling up local vaccine production. The Agricultural Research Council bottled 20,000 doses on June 12, 2026, with another 20,000 expected before the end of the month. This effort aims to reduce reliance on imports and ensure a steady supply for future outbreaks.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
While FMD poses little risk to human health, its impact on agriculture is severe. The disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, spreading rapidly through contaminated animals, products, equipment, vehicles, and even windborne viruses. Clinical signs include blisters on the lips, tongue, gums, and hooves, leading to reduced productivity and livestock losses. Meat and dairy products remain safe for human consumption, but the economic consequences are staggering.
Calls for Stronger Surveillance
Experts argue that South Africa’s lack of a national animal traceability system has worsened the crisis. Without mandatory tracking, outbreaks cannot be effectively managed, leaving farmers vulnerable to repeated disruptions. Researchers warn that unless surveillance and vaccination are combined with systemic reforms, the country’s beef industry will continue to face export bans and financial instability.
Government Response
Minister Steenhuisen urged provinces to accelerate vaccination campaigns and called on feedlots to fully utilize their allocations to sustain the agricultural value chain. “It remains imperative that we continue with the provision of a consistent supply of vaccines,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting livestock and restoring confidence in South Africa’s beef exports.
