South Africa has spent more than R72 million at around 900,000 doses of vaccines to the Foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak Since March of this year.
The government now gives priority to local vaccine production to better manage future outbreaks and to reduce dependence on expensive imports.
According to the SABC” This week, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Bondstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the University of Pretoria, is working on completing a local vaccine.
‘South Africa has made great progress in the development of vaccine. We have a vaccine that is now registered, and we are completed some of the remaining tests, “ said Dr. Litha Magingxa, President and CEO of ARC.
The Ministry of Agriculture held a two-day FMD-Indaba to involve stakeholders and to stimulate cooperation between the government and the private sector.
Karan Beef is one of the largest beef producers in the country. They were forced to close for two months because of the outbreak, causing large losses.
‘We have three feeds and our entire operations are closed. That is economic destruction, “ said Dr. Dirk Verwoerd, senior veterinarian at Karan Beef.
Steenhuisen has increased FMD control efforts to the deputy director-general for agricultural production, bio-safety and management of natural resources. A guideline on bio -safety at auctions and livestock markets will be expected soon.
By one Media -StatementThe vaccine purchase process started with a number of vaccines mid -June. In the financial year 2025/2026, the government estimated approximately R1.2 billion for vaccine purchase.
Positive signs have been created, with disease management areas in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo expected to be lifted soon. Since July last year, more than 144,000 vaccinations have been managed in municipalities of Kouga and Kou-Hamma.
The department has encouraged the private sector to support the production of local vaccine. This is part of a long-term strategy to protect the agricultural economy of South Africa.
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Angelica Rhoda
www.capetownetc.com