Fighting the war against foot-and-mouth disease is a top priority for Minister Steenhuisen and his department. He recently expressed confidence in the national strategy to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), highlighting that the departement and the ministerial advisory task team are hard at work.

“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 stabilizing this R80 billion livestock industry,” Steenhuisen said.

One million doses of vaccines will be supplied every month. Photo: Pexel

Medium to long-term priorities include infrastructure investment, regional cooperation, and sustained funding for veterinary services and research. Minister Steenhuisen indicated that close to 950,000 animals have already been vaccinated over the first few months with government-procured vaccine stock. 

Steenhuisen said, “The team is finalizing a strategy to reduce FMD incidents by 70% in high-risk areas for the next 24 months, achieving 90% vaccination coverage in the target animal population in communal areas, commercial farms, and feedlot areas, and 100% vaccination in dairy cows.”

The Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has confirmed its ability to supply one million doses per month, starting in mid-January 2026. The diagnostic capacity at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Laboratory will be increased through the employment of additional veterinary technologists.

Assistance for dairy farmers

In all provinces, the department will work with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, briefing them early next year. The department also stated that the concerns from the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) were noted.

When the disease started to spread across dairy farms, the MPO negotiated through the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) to purchase vaccines from feedlots to assist the dairy farmers. During October, a further 50,000 doses were made available at the Botswana Vaccine Institute, and the MPO then received first option to purchase the vaccines for the dairy industry, which they did. 

Only 20,000 doses have been used to date, and the department urged MPO to vaccinate at speed to ensure all doses have been administered by the end of December.

The departement will work actively with law enforcement agencies in the FMD fight. Photo: Pexel

Outbreaks were reported in several municipalities across South Africa.

“Achieving FMD freedom with vaccination is a monumental task that requires sustained effort over many years. We are under no illusion, we have a long road ahead. 

“We urge every farmer, transporter, and stakeholder to partner with us, adhere to new protocols, and maintain strict biosecurity. We stand with you, and together, we will achieve FMD freedom,” Steenhuisen said.

• Share your agriculture news: agri@ofm.co.za.

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder mvh