The Department of Agriculture has begun rolling out a new batch of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, recently delivered from Botswana, in a bid to curb persistent outbreaks across parts of the country.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed the arrival of the vaccines on 19 June 2025, describing it as a crucial step in containing the disease and strengthening biosecurity.

The vaccines were escorted by police to Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which will oversee distribution to state veterinarians in affected areas. They will be administered free of charge.

KwaZulu-Natal remains the hardest hit, but fresh cases have recently been identified in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West. Farms around Heidelberg, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg and Ventersdorp are among those affected.

All infected properties have been placed under quarantine and vaccination efforts are underway.

Minister Steenhuisen stressed that the vaccines are part of a broader strategy, including a long-term plan for regionalisation and local vaccine production, to help restore South Africa’s international beef export market.

He reassured the public that FMD poses no risk to humans and that beef remains safe to eat. He also called on everyone involved in the livestock industry to take biosecurity seriously, warning that new regulations on animal movement will be strictly enforced.

“We all have a role to play—from farmers to consumers. Breaking the rules comes with serious economic consequences,” Steenhuisen said.

A second batch of vaccines is expected soon.

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