Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen couldn’t hide his elation at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday as he received what he described as the “single largest veterinary vaccine import to South Africa at one time”, referring to the one million doses of high-potency foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine from Argentinian company Biogénesis Bagó.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
“Help is on the way,” declared Steenhuisen, emphasising the historic significance of the moment. “This is a gamechanger for our livestock industry and our quest to regain FMD-free status.”
Hotspots Get First Priority
The minister outlined a strategic rollout plan guided by a sophisticated heat map that classifies municipalities as primary, secondary or tertiary based on transmission risk. The initial focus will be laser-sharp: the most affected provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West and parts of Mpumalanga.
Also read: WATCH | Cost of FMD vaccines – ‘Now is not the time to make a profit,’ says Steenhuisen
When asked about prioritisation between different farming systems, Steenhuisen was categorical: “Hotspots and primary transmission areas come first. Our immediate priorities are communal areas with high transmission rates, followed by dairies and feedlots, and then the surrounding zones.”
This approach acknowledges that stemming transmission in high-risk areas is crucial for broader national control.
From Onderstepoort To The Provinces
The vaccine batch will move through Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which will coordinate dispatch to provincial systems. In a collaborative approach that bridges public and private sectors, OBP and provincial authorities will work alongside private veterinarians, animal health technicians and community service veterinary students to deliver the vaccinations.
“We’re mobilising every available resource,” Steenhuisen explained, acknowledging the capacity constraints facing the state veterinary services. “This is where our partnerships with private vets and the new animal health technicians become absolutely crucial.”
Also read: FMD | First private vet authorised to help with vaccinations
Race Against Time
The minister set an ambitious target: vaccinating 80% of the national herd by December this year. It’s a monumental task that speaks to both the urgency of the situation and the scale of South Africa’s livestock sector.
“The logistics and scale of vaccinating our entire national herd cannot be underestimated,” Steenhuisen admitted. “But we have the tools now and we have the plan.”
More Than Just Jabs
While celebrating the vaccine arrival, Steenhuisen was careful to emphasise that vaccination alone won’t solve South Africa’s FMD crisis. “These vaccines are not a silver bullet,” he cautioned. “Biosecurity, strict movement controls and compliance remain absolutely essential.”
The minister highlighted that regulatory and legislative changes would be needed to support the vaccination programme, alongside improved biosecurity measures across the sector.
Global Supply Chain Mobilised
The Argentinian shipment is just the beginning. Steenhuisen revealed that more supplies are expected from Argentina and other global suppliers, indicating that South Africa has successfully mobilised international partnerships to secure vaccine supplies.
Each small vial in the current shipment contains approximately 60 doses, representing a significant boost to the country’s vaccination capacity.
A Symbolic Milestone
For Steenhuisen, the vaccine arrival represents more than just a medical intervention but a symbol of hope for an industry that has been battered by FMD outbreaks. “This gives us the tools to tackle FMD head-on, reopen our export markets and work towards regaining our FMD-free status,” he said.
The success of the programme, however, will depend on unprecedented cooperation between public and private sectors, along with improved biosecurity practices throughout the value chain.
Also read: ‘We cannot put entire cattle herd under quarantine’ – SA dairy industry demands FMD policy clarity
The million doses of vaccine will be distributed as follows:
- KwaZulu-Natal: 200 000 doses
- Mpumalanga: 100 000 doses
- North West: 100 000 doses
- Free State: 200 000 doses
- Eastern Cape: 150 000 doses
- Limpopo: 100 000 doses
- Gauteng: 70 000 doses
- Northern: Cape 50 000 doses
- Western Cape: 30 000 doses
Also read and watch:
KZN deploying 45 teams to vaccinate 2.45 million cattle in massive FMD campaign
SAHPRA fast-tracks critical FMD vaccines to protect livestock
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