South Africa has vaccinated more than 90% of its national cattle herd against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), surpassing the government’s target of 80% ahead of its self-imposed deadline of 31 December 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture said the country was now close to completing the vaccination of its national cattle herd, marking a significant milestone in efforts to contain the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced the achievement while delivering the keynote address at the Agricultural Writers SA National Awards in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, on Friday.
In addition to exceeding the vaccination target, all provinces have moved into the next phase of the national campaign, which involves administering booster doses to ensure cattle maintain adequate immunity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the department said more than 22 million doses of the FMD vaccine had been purchased and distributed to the agricultural sector.
The private sector has vaccinated approximately four million cattle, while state-led vaccination efforts have covered just under 11 million.
Aucamp highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, farmers and the private sector in achieving the milestone.
“Reaching a 90% vaccination rate before the end of December deadline is a great achievement for the agricultural sector in South Africa. It demonstrates the positive results that are achievable when government and the private sector take hands,” the minister said.
“By utilising the state’s capacity and the energy, skill and dedication of farmers and the private sector, we are rapidly controlling the spread of FMD and protecting South Africa’s livelihoods, as well as the country’s export markets for red meat,” he added.
Farmers allowed to continue voluntary self-vaccination
To build on the progress made through the national herd protection programme and further increase vaccination capacity, the department will continue allowing livestock producers to voluntarily vaccinate their own cattle.
State veterinary services will also continue large-scale vaccination campaigns across the country.
Farmers wishing to vaccinate their own cattle can register online to become authorised vaccinators.
The department said there had been a significant decline in new FMD outbreaks, indicating progress in efforts to control the disease.
“I am glad to announce that new outbreaks have declined drastically, and the department will keep on working in close collaboration with organised agriculture and every farmer to ensure that we keep on winning the fight against FMD,” Aucamp said.
Department urges farmers to maintain biosecurity measures
Despite the progress, the department said it remained committed to addressing all remaining FMD outbreaks and urged livestock owners to maintain strict biosecurity measures, particularly during the administration of booster vaccinations.
The department warned that the nature of the disease required continuous vigilance and stressed the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted vaccine supply.
Farmers seeking to obtain vaccines can place orders through the online system, with deliveries expected within 24 hours.
Livestock producers are encouraged to register through the Department of Agriculture, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) or Buffalo Analytics websites to access vaccines for voluntary self-vaccination.
The department said continued cooperation between government, organised agriculture and livestock owners would be essential to sustaining the gains made in protecting South Africa’s national herd and safeguarding the country’s agricultural economy and red meat export markets.