SA claims progress in FMD battle
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, says early data suggest the country’s mass foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination campaign is yielding positive results, with no new infections recorded in herds that have already been vaccinated.
Between February and 26 March 2026, a total of 2 033 289 animals had been vaccinated, a figure the minister described as a clear indication that the vaccines are effective and that the strategy is helping to protect the national herd.
Although outbreaks have been reported in all nine provinces, their intensity varies. As of 10 April 2026, a total of 1 317 cases had been recorded nationwide.
The Free State accounts for the highest number of cases at 328, followed by North West (247) and Gauteng (241). KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 225 cases, Mpumalanga 140, Eastern Cape 71, Limpopo 49, Western Cape 13 and Northern Cape three.
Steenhuisen attributed the recent rise in reported cases to improved detection rather than a worsening outbreak. “We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture,” he said.
He added that increased awareness has led to the identification of subclinical cases, in which animals carry the virus without showing obvious symptoms and may previously have gone unnoticed.
Vaccine supply and roll-out
The Department of Agriculture says it has secured a steady supply of vaccines. To date, four million doses have been received: 2.5 million from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and 1.5 million from Dollvet in Turkey.
A further two million doses from Dollvet are expected before the end of April. In addition, five million doses have been ordered via Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) from Biogénesis Bagó, of which 3.5 million are expected before the end of April 2026.
Vaccination is being implemented through a risk-based approach, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible animals.
All registered dairies in the Free State have been vaccinated, while major dairies in the Western Cape have also been covered. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have received the largest allocations due to their high livestock populations.
More than 78 000 doses have been supplied to the Milk Producers Organisation in the Eastern Cape alone. KwaZulu-Natal has received 250 000 doses, with a further 100 000 recently allocated.
On 10 April 2026, Steenhuisen announced plans to publish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for foot-and-mouth disease (RVS-FMD) under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984. The public comment period closed on 17 April, with the final scheme expected to be published on 24 April 2026.
