Corporate partnership joins fight against the FMD crisis with mobile vaccination vehicle

Standard Bank has thrown its weight behind the battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), partnering with dairy giant Clover and the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) to a deploy specialised mobile vaccination vehicles to South African farming communities.

By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming

The collaboration aims to bolster the Department of Agriculture’s ambitious vaccination programme, which targets over 14 million cattle, representing more than 80% of the national herd.

Cold-Chain Crisis Addressed

The partnership centres around a chilled mobile vaccination vehicle designed to maintain the critical cold chain required for FMD vaccines. The specialised unit will ensure vaccines remain properly refrigerated during transport to remote farming areas, addressing a major logistical challenge that has hampered previous vaccination efforts.

“FMD vaccines must remain chilled throughout the journey to farmers,” explained Liezel Turner, Senior Manager of Strategic Alliances at Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking division. “By providing a dedicated vehicle that ensures proper cold-chain delivery, we’re helping partners reach farming communities more efficiently and in line with veterinary requirements.”

Also read: Communal farmers have their say as FMD vaccination drive reaches SA-Botswana border

KZN Gets Priority Treatment

Clover has confirmed the initial 200 000-dose allocation will be prioritised for KwaZulu-Natal, with national rollout to follow. The province has been among the hardest hit by recent FMD outbreaks, making it a critical starting point for the expanded vaccination programme.

The government’s vaccination drive, which commenced in February 2026, aims to distribute 14 million doses by December 2026 – a massive undertaking that requires significant private-sector support to succeed.

The chilled mobile vaccination vehicle is designed to maintain the critical cold chain required for FMD vaccines. Photo: Supplied

Industry Leaders Unite

Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank, stressed the importance of coordinated industry response to the FMD crisis.

“Livestock health underpins the stability of rural economies, food production and agricultural value chains,” Jacobs said. “The impact of FMD is felt far beyond the farm gate, which is why industry alignment is so important.”

Jacques van Heerden, Executive for Industrial at Clover, echoed this sentiment, noting: “FMD continues to place pressure on livestock and dairy producers. Working alongside Standard Bank and the MPO allows us to deliver vaccines more rapidly and reliably.”

Also read: How one young farmer managed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on his livestock farm

Dairy Sector Under Pressure

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) has welcomed the partnership as a lifeline for struggling producers.

“Producers have faced substantial challenges due to FMD outbreaks and the availability and proper distribution of vaccines is essential,” said Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the MPO. “This partnership provides practical assistance to farmers by ensuring vaccines reach them under the correct conditions.”

FMD vaccination rural area — The mobile vaccination unit represents a significant step forward in addressing the logistical challenges that have previously hampered vaccine distribution, particularly to remote and under-resourced farming communities.

Also read: Imbizo 2026 | Managing the new normal: RMIS charts a path through foot-and-mouth (FMD) crisis

Government’s Multi-Pronged Approach

The Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive strategy includes:

Rolling out vaccines under an expanded national support programme.
Prioritising high-risk provinces for initial deployment.
Facilitating access for both commercial and emerging farmers.
Collaborating with the industry to strengthen cold-chain systems.
Targeting coverage of over 80% of the national cattle herd.

The mobile vaccination unit represents a significant step forward in addressing the logistical challenges that have previously hampered vaccine distribution, particularly to remote and under-resourced farming communities.

Economic Implications

The FMD crisis has far-reaching implications for South Africa’s agricultural sector, affecting not only livestock farmers but the entire agricultural value chain. The disease can devastate herds, disrupt milk production and impact food security, making industry collaboration essential for economic stability in rural areas.