South Africa has received a significant boost in its battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) with the arrival of two million vaccine doses from Turkish manufacturer Dollvet.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The shipment marks the first instalment of a six million-dose order and will be distributed across all nine provinces within days.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the arrival of the vaccines, describing them as a crucial component of the country’s strategy to achieve World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) FMD-free status with vaccination. This status would pave the way for the reopening of vital export markets that have been closed since the outbreak began.
Provincial Distribution Underway
The latest vaccine shipment will be strategically allocated across the provinces, with KwaZulu-Natal receiving the largest allocation of 192 000 doses, followed by the Free State and North West, each receiving 182 400 doses. The Eastern Cape will get 135 400 doses, while both Limpopo and the Western Cape are set to receive 150 000 doses each. Mpumalanga has been allocated 144 000 doses, Gauteng will receive 124 800, and the Northern Cape gets 100 000 doses.
Special allocations have been made for critical sectors, with 150 000 doses each reserved for the pig industry and feedlot operations, while the dairy sector will receive 100 000 doses.
Also read: FMD | Next batch of ARC’s locally produced vaccines signals rise in production
Emergency Preparedness
In a move that underscores the seriousness of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, authorities have held back 239 000 doses as an emergency reserve for immediate deployment should new hotspots emerge. This strategic reserve reflects the government’s commitment to rapid response capabilities.
Vaccination Progress and Supply Chain
Since February 2026, South Africa has received four million vaccine doses, comprising 2.5 million from Argentinian manufacturer Biogénesis Bagó and 1.5 million from Dollvet. This follows an earlier importation of two million doses in the fourth quarter of 2025.
To date, 2.1 million animals have been vaccinated nationwide as part of the comprehensive campaign. The government has also placed an additional order for five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó through Onderstepoort Biological Products, which will arrive in two batches of 3.5 million and 1.5 million doses respectively pending regulatory approval.
Global Context
The South African outbreak involves the SAT1 topotype 3 virus, which has been causing concern across multiple regions. Similar outbreaks have been reported in Turkey in November 2025, followed by cases in Azerbaijan in October 2025, Lebanon in November 2025, Israel in January 2026, Cyprus in both December 2025 and February 2026, and Syria in January 2026.
Also read: WATCH | ‘FMD vaccines are free of charge’ – Steenhuisen dismisses conspiracy theories
Enhanced Surveillance and Regulation
Beyond vaccination, the government is implementing strengthened surveillance systems and faster reporting mechanisms to capture provincial data quickly. Minister Steenhuisen emphasised the importance of close cooperation with the private sector and industry bodies to ensure efficient nationwide vaccination coverage.
On 10 April 2026, the Minister announced plans to publish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act. Public comments on the draft scheme were invited until 17 April 2026 and submissions are currently being evaluated.
Support Infrastructure
To support farmers and stakeholders, the government has established comprehensive FMD support structures, including a toll-free support line, dedicated email service, WhatsApp channel, and an online reporting system accessible at fmd.nda.gov.za.
Also read: ‘No farmer or village will be left behind’ – first cattle receive FMD vaccines in North West
