South Africa is preparing for a large-scale rollout of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, with approximately 13 million doses expected to arrive in the coming months as authorities intensify efforts to control the spread of the disease among livestock.
The initiative comes amid ongoing outbreaks that have affected parts of the country’s agricultural sector, raising both economic concerns and questions from consumers about the safety of meat products.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that an initial shipment of two million vaccine doses has already arrived from Turkey, marking the first phase of a broader procurement strategy aimed at stabilising the situation.
Vaccine supply expands amid outbreak response
In addition to the Turkish supply, South Africa has secured further doses from Argentina, with five million vaccines ordered through Onderstepoort Biological Products. These shipments are expected to arrive in two batches, pending regulatory approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Officials say the vaccination programme is being implemented under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture, with a targeted distribution strategy based on livestock populations and regional risk assessments.
The rollout includes allocations to multiple provinces, as well as specific sectors such as dairy, feedlot operations, and pig farming, in an effort to protect critical components of the food supply chain.
Authorities also plan to retain a reserve stockpile for emergency deployment in areas where outbreaks may intensify.
No evidence of risk to consumers
As the vaccination programme expands, regulators have sought to reassure the public regarding food safety.
According to SAHPRA, there is currently no evidence to suggest that consuming meat from vaccinated animals poses any long-term health risks to humans.
The agency emphasised that all imported vaccines have undergone regulatory testing and approval in their countries of origin, and that each shipment includes clear guidelines on withdrawal periods — the required time between vaccination and slaughter to ensure food safety.
Officials noted that adherence to these protocols is essential in maintaining confidence in the country’s meat products, both domestically and internationally.
Beyond immediate disease control, the vaccination effort is also seen as a step toward restoring South Africa’s access to international red meat markets, which have been restricted in the past due to FMD outbreaks.
While challenges remain, including ongoing infections in some regions, authorities believe that sustained vaccination and monitoring efforts will help contain the disease and support long-term recovery in the agricultural sector.
Consumers with concerns have been encouraged to contact the national FMD command structures for further information, as monitoring of the vaccine’s effectiveness continues.
Source: Department of Agriculture, SAHPRA statements
