The South African government announced a significant step in controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as SA receives one million foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina this weekend. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed the first batch will arrive as part of a proactive vaccination strategy aimed at achieving “FMD-free status with vaccination.”
The shipment from Argentina represents the first phase of a broader agreement, with a further five million doses expected in March. These high-potency vaccines are crucial to safeguarding South Africa’s national herd of over 14 million cattle, ensuring protection against FMD while rebuilding stability in the livestock sector.
SA receives foot-and-mouth disease vaccines as part of a national strategy
SA receives foot-and-mouth disease vaccines not only from Argentina. The Botswana Vaccine Institute has already supplied two million doses since the outbreak began and will continue monthly deliveries. Additionally, Dollvet in Turkey is contributing vaccines to strengthen the national rollout.
Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of these international collaborations in combating FMD outbreaks efficiently. He emphasized that proactive vaccination is central to the government’s strategy to eliminate the disease while protecting the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
Local production to complement imported vaccines
In parallel with international supply, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has ramped up local production. On 6 February, ARC delivered the first batch of 12,900 locally produced vaccines — the first in over two decades. The ARC aims to scale production to 20,000 doses per week, eventually reaching 200,000 per week in 2027.
“These efforts ensure that SA receives foot-and-mouth disease vaccines efficiently while building long-term self-sufficiency,” Steenhuisen said. Local production allows the country to respond quickly to outbreaks and minimizes reliance on international suppliers during emergencies.
FMD control and outbreak statistics
The Department of Agriculture has established a dedicated FMD Control Centre to support farmers during this vaccination campaign. A toll-free helpline, 0860 246 640, offers expert guidance on vaccine administration and disease management.
As of 16 February, South Africa reported 836 open FMD outbreaks to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Open outbreaks indicate areas where the virus is still active or in the process of being resolved.
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Free State: 245 outbreaks
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KwaZulu-Natal: 202 outbreaks
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Gauteng: 188 outbreaks
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North West: 106 outbreaks
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Mpumalanga: 63 outbreaks
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Eastern Cape: 28 outbreaks
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Limpopo: 10 outbreaks
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Western Cape: 3 outbreaks
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Northern Cape: 1 outbreak
“These statistics underscore the urgency for proactive vaccination and FMD outbreak control measures across all affected provinces,” Steenhuisen noted.
Proactive vaccination for FMD-free status
SA receives foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina as part of a national goal to achieve FMD-free status. The vaccination campaign targets the entire national herd, ensuring long-term protection and reducing the risk of future outbreaks.
Minister Steenhuisen said, “This vaccination roll-out marks the beginning of restoring stability to the livestock sector and rebuilding confidence in our animal-health system.” The campaign combines local and international vaccine sources, ensuring continuous supply and coverage for all cattle herds nationwide.
Supporting farmers and rebuilding confidence
The department’s approach prioritizes farmer support through communication, guidance, and rapid response to outbreaks. Farmers across provinces will receive timely information on vaccine distribution and best practices for disease prevention.
By combining imported vaccines, local production, and on-the-ground support, South Africa is positioning itself to tackle FMD outbreak control effectively while maintaining livestock health and agricultural productivity.
International partnerships strengthen FMD response
The collaboration with Argentina, Botswana, and Turkey demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to strengthening its agricultural systems. These partnerships provide a reliable source of vaccines while allowing the country to scale up production and response efforts.
Minister Steenhuisen added that proactive vaccination campaigns, combined with veterinary oversight and farmer participation, will significantly reduce the spread of FMD and enhance confidence in livestock management.
Looking ahead
With over one million vaccines arriving this weekend and millions more expected, SA receives foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina in a timely effort to curb FMD outbreaks. The combination of international supply, local production, and a dedicated FMD control centre underscores the government’s comprehensive approach to livestock vaccination.
Farmers are encouraged to participate actively in the vaccination program, follow expert guidance, and report any new outbreaks immediately. These coordinated efforts aim to ensure that South Africa achieves its goal of “FMD-free status with vaccination” and protects the livelihoods of its farming communities.
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Conclusion
SA receives one million foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Argentina, marking a crucial step in combating FMD. With proactive vaccination, strong local production, and international collaboration, South Africa is strengthening its livestock sector and securing a sustainable agricultural future. This milestone represents a significant commitment by the agriculture ministry to protect cattle, restore confidence, and maintain food security nationwide.
Mainstream Media References
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SAnews – South Africa to receive one million FMD vaccine
Reports that South Africa will receive one million high‑potency foot‑and‑mouth disease vaccine doses from Argentina this weekend as part of efforts to control outbreaks.
🔗 https://www.sanews.gov.za/south‑africa/south‑africa‑receive‑one‑million‑fmd‑vaccine -
Daily Maverick – One million foot‑and‑mouth disease vaccines set to arrive in SA
Coverage on how the vaccine shipment offers hope to South African farmers amid a severe FMD outbreak and outlines government plans.
🔗 https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026‑02‑18‑one‑million‑vaccine‑doses‑en‑route‑as‑footandmouth‑disease‑fight‑intensifies/
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