Speaking during a site visit to Karan Beef in Gauteng – one of the country’s largest feedlots, responsible for 30% of local beef production – Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the vaccination strategy marks a critical turning point.

“This is the first time we’re vaccinating at feedlot level. Our goal is to contain the disease, return it to endemic zones like Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, and re-compartmentalise the country to resume international trade,” Steenhuisen told Newzroom Afrika.

The Department of Agriculture has allocated R43 million towards vaccine procurement. The first shipment of 900,000 doses arrived last week, with vaccinations already underway. A second batch is on order, as the programme expands beyond Gauteng to other affected regions.

“This will require more than vaccines – it’s a whole-of-industry, whole-of-society effort,” Steenhuisen said, emphasising the importance of public and private sector cooperation.

To complement the vaccination rollout, new FMD regulations were gazetted two weeks ago. These govern livestock movement, auctions, and health certification protocols – critical measures to halt further spread.

“It’s not about provincial borders; it’s about movement protocols,” he clarified. “No animal should be transported, auctioned or mixed unless it’s been verified as FMD-free with the correct documentation.”

Steenhuisen drew comparisons with global FMD responses in countries like Brazil and Argentina, noting that vaccination helped those nations contain outbreaks and restore trade.

Does not affect humans

He also addressed rising beef prices, which have spiked due to market disruptions caused by quarantines and limited slaughtering capacity. “There’s effectively a dam wall on beef supply right now. Our job is to break that wall safely and get products flowing again to stabilise prices.”

Reassuring consumers, Steenhuisen stressed that South African beef remains safe to eat. “Foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans. There is no health risk from consuming inspected beef. Any public concern is unfounded,” he said.

The Department is now urging strict industry compliance, public vigilance in reporting violations, and broader support to contain the disease before the crisis does further damage to one of South Africa’s most valuable agricultural sectors.

OFM Agri cg