Dewald Olivier, executive director at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), has issued an urgent industry alert regarding the illegal importation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine from Kenya, describing it as a serious biosecurity threat to South Africa’s livestock sector.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

“Last week, RMIS was made aware of a serious biosecurity concern involving the illegal importation of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine from Kenya. This notice aims to clarify the facts, outline the actions taken and reaffirm RMIS’s position and role in protecting the integrity of our national herd,” said Olivier.

Following an alert from Dr Mark Chimes regarding a potential importation attempt, Olivier confirmed that “RMIS immediately escalated the matter to the Border Management Authority and the State Security Agency”. Two suspicious consignments were subsequently detected in Polokwane and Pietermaritzburg.

Also read: Milk SA sounds alarm over illegal Kenyan FMD vaccine use

“The consignment in Polokwane, falsely labelled ‘butanol’, was successfully intercepted at the airport. The vaccine has now been secured and is being transported under police escort to the TAD Laboratory for testing,” Olivier reported.

Foreign Strains Pose Catastrophic Risk to Livestock Sector

Olivier emphasised the serious nature of the threat: “The Kenyan vaccine contains serotypes O and A, which are not present in South Africa. Introducing foreign strains could trigger new outbreaks against which our animals have no immunity. This would have catastrophic consequences for producers, exports and food security.”

Olivier confirmed that “this case has now been handed over to the State Security Agency and is under investigation as a potential act of terrorism”.

Outlining the legal framework, Olivier said: “Importing FMD vaccines without proper authorisation is illegal and endangers the entire livestock sector. No veterinary vaccine may be imported without a permit and written authorisation from the Director of Animal Health. Only vaccines matching SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3 strains are permitted in South Africa. FMD vaccines must be transported under strict cold-chain conditions and declared as high-risk cargo. The Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) governs all vaccine use and import protocols.”

RMIS Reinforces Role in Legal Vaccine Procurement

“RMIS is the only industry organisation formally recognised to work with government to facilitate vaccine procurement. The emergency acquisition of vaccine for the Milk Producers’ Organisation was also facilitated through our structures. Our collaboration with government ensures that all vaccine use is legal, traceable and aligned with national disease-control strategies,” Olivier explained.

Also read: WATCH | FMD: Terrorism, biological warfare probe into Kenya vaccine import

Although confirming that “to date, we have no evidence that this illegally imported vaccine has been used locally”, Olivier urged vigilance: “RMIS urges anyone with relevant information to report it immediately to the authorities or your nearest State Veterinarian.”

“Maintaining compliance with national veterinary protocols is non-negotiable. These safeguards exist to protect animal health, market access and the long-term viability of the sector,” he emphasised.

Olivier concluded: “RMIS will continue to work closely with government and enforcement agencies to ensure that any breach is addressed and that the integrity of the red meat industry is protected.”

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