“South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease vaccination drive has reached over 5.4 million cattle, with KwaZulu-Natal leading the effort at more than 1.16 million doses administered. The arrival of two million additional vaccines and expanded local production aims to accelerate containment of the outbreak and protect the agricultural sector.”
South Africa’s battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) reached a significant milestone this week as the national vaccination campaign surpassed 5.4 million cattle immunized, marking one of the largest coordinated veterinary interventions in the country’s history. The Department of Agriculture confirmed that as of June 11, 2026, a total of 5,486,860 cattle had received vaccines, with KwaZulu-Natal recording the highest number at 1,163,193 doses, followed closely by the Free State with 1,015,020 and the Eastern Cape with 891,924.
The campaign received a major boost with the arrival of two million additional Dollvet vaccine doses at OR Tambo International Airport. This shipment complements local production efforts by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which bottled 20,000 vaccines on June 12 and is expected to bottle another 20,000 doses before the end of the month, bringing local production to 40,000 doses for June alone. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent vaccine supply, noting that the combined imports and local production would ensure uninterrupted protection for livestock.
The provincial breakdown highlights the scale of the campaign: Gauteng (351,945), Limpopo (357,045), Mpumalanga (531,096), North West (753,522), Northern Cape (114,071), and Western Cape (309,044). The Free State became the first province to surpass one million vaccinations, a milestone praised by Steenhuisen, who commended the provincial agriculture department’s efficiency under MEC Elzabe Rockman and chief director Dr. Jurgens Barnard.
Beyond the numbers, the campaign underscores the economic urgency of controlling FMD. Outbreaks of the disease, which severely affect cattle health and productivity, have historically disrupted South Africa’s beef export markets and strained rural economies. By accelerating vaccinations, the government aims to restore confidence in the livestock sector and protect the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Steenhuisen urged feedlots to utilize their allocated doses, stressing that vaccination is essential to keeping the economic value chain intact.
The minister also revealed that his department is expediting the Section 9 Report, which will provide additional relief measures for farmers affected by the outbreak. He acknowledged the critical role played by veterinarians and private-sector partners, whose collaboration has been instrumental in scaling up the vaccination drive.
Experts note that while vaccination is the cornerstone of containment, biosecurity measures remain equally vital. Farmers are being encouraged to strengthen quarantine protocols, restrict cattle movement, and report suspected cases promptly. The combined approach of vaccination and biosecurity is expected to reduce transmission risks significantly.
Looking ahead, the government’s proactive stance—bolstered by international support and local innovation—signals a turning point in South Africa’s fight against FMD. With millions of cattle already protected and vaccine supplies secured, the country is positioning itself to not only contain the current outbreak but also build resilience against future threats.
This achievement reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding food security and rural livelihoods. As Steenhuisen remarked, “It remains imperative that we continue with the provision of a consistent supply of vaccines. Our farmers deserve stability, and our economy depends on it.”
