Agriculture
FMD Industry Coordination council update─── ISABEL VAN TONDER 05:00 Tue, 21 Apr 2026
The department of agriculture and the FMD ICC (Industry Coordination Council) will host a joint workshop on Tuesday (21/4) to raise key issues.
The ICC will use the opportunity to raise issues requiring urgent alignment, including regulatory matters relating to Sections 9 and 10 (movement control and disease management), vaccine availability, allocation and distribution. The outcome of the workshop will determine the next steps on these matters.
The ICC became aware of a vaccine cold chain temperature exposure and immediately engaged with the relevant committee members, including Onderstepoort project manager Prof. Francois Maree.
All lesions on the nose and mouth must be reported. Photo: Vrystaat Landbou
The sub-committee said the full batch remains in good standing and the vaccine is still considered fit for use. The Biogénesis Bago vaccine has been tested to withstand temperatures of up to 30 °C with minimal loss of efficacy.
The ICC will raise the matter at the workshop to better understand how this happened and whether there are resources, controls or procedures the industry can follow to reduce the risk of it happening again.
With hunting season fast approaching, questions are being raised about whether it may contribute to the spread of FMD.
The ICC became aware of a cold chain breach regarding the vaccines. Photo: Pexel
Minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen recently said in a media statement all major dairies in the Western Cape had been fully attended to, causing widespread dissatisfaction among farmers, as many are still awaiting vaccination .
Implementation concerns may be raised by any FMD ICC member. Issues can also be reported anonymously via WhatsApp at 073 786 7363.
If any clinical signs are noticed, such as limping, mouth or nose lesions, excessive drooling – whether current or anytime in the past three months, send only the GPS coordinates from the nearest S-road or main road to the same number.
No one is required to submit any information that can identify them. The FMD ICC will continue to update stakeholders and provide practical guidance as the national response progresses.
• Share your agriculture news: agri@ofm.co.za.
