Aucamp’s out-of-court settlement opens door for direct import of FMD vaccines

Authorised companies and individuals will now be able to procure foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines directly from accredited international manufacturers following a landmark settlement between the Department of Agriculture and three agricultural organisations that challenged government’s vaccine procurement and distribution system in court.

By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming

The agreement, announced by Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp on Thursday, ends government’s exclusive control over FMD vaccine imports and opens the way for a faster, more competitive supply system while retaining veterinary oversight.

The settlement concludes litigation brought by the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), Sakeliga and Free State Agriculture. The organisations argued that farmers should be allowed to source vaccines directly from manufacturers instead of relying solely on government procurement processes.

Government and industry must work together

Aucamp described the agreement as a major milestone in South Africa’s fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), saying government cannot defeat the disease without the support of organised agriculture.

“Agriculture is better off with the settlement reached here today. The importance of industry taking hands with government has been emphasised over and over. It would have been impossible for government to resolve the FMD matter on its own.”

He said the agreement demonstrates the value of cooperation between government and the agricultural sector.

“If we take hands with the agricultural industry and organised agriculture, we will be able to win this fight. I’m feeling very confident today that we are on the right track. We are taking hands and collectively we will beat this virus.”

Also read: FMD | More than half a million animals vaccinated in Limpopo; subsistence farmers raise concerns

Faster vaccine access

Dr Theo de Jager, executive director of SAAI, said the priority is now to ensure vaccines reach farmers as quickly as possible.

“The challenge now is getting as many vaccines as possible into the country and creating the shortest route from the harbour to cattle on farms. This agreement will ensure that.”

He urged farmers to comply with the conditions governing vaccine procurement and administration. Farmers intending to vaccinate livestock must notify the relevant authorities at least five days before vaccination. During vaccination, the vaccine’s QR code must be scanned and linked to the vaccinated animals, after which a report must be submitted within two weeks.

“We have now levelled the playing field and it is up to farmers and all interested parties to do it by the book,” De Jager said.

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo is ongoing, with the aim of surpassing the 504 186 domestic animals vaccinated thus far and reach the 80% target by December. Of the province’s five districts, Vhembe is under high surveillance because of interactions between domestic animals and wild animals straying from the Kruger National Park. Photos: Montsho Matlala — Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo is ongoing, with the aim of surpassing the 504 186 domestic animals vaccinated thus far and reach the 80% target by December. Of the province’s five districts, Vhembe is under high surveillance because of interactions between domestic animals and wild animals straying from the Kruger National Park. Photo: Montsho Matlala

Farmers are the real winners

Free State Agriculture president Francois Wilken said litigation was a last resort after repeated attempts to engage government failed.

“We didn’t start off by going to court. We started by asking questions, which were never answered.”

He said the settlement should not be viewed in terms of winners and losers.

“The only winners from this settlement are the farmers and their cattle.”

Sakeliga CEO Piet le Roux welcomed the outcome, saying litigation should not be seen as confrontational but as a legitimate process for resolving disagreements between parties with differing views.

Also read: Leadership shake-up at SAFDA while criminal allegations remain unresolved

FMD vaccination rural area — Photo: Lebogang Mashala

Government support will continue

Aucamp assured livestock producers that opening the vaccine market would not reduce government’s commitment to supporting farmers.

“I want to give assurance to every farmer out there that this department is committed to supporting each and every farmer in this country, big or small. We will support every farmer.”

He said government and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) would relinquish their exclusive importer status with immediate effect, giving authorised importers greater freedom to source vaccines directly from manufacturers.

“Although we are opening up the direct purchase of vaccines, we are only relinquishing government’s sole importer status. Government will continue to buy vaccines for state vaccination programmes and ensure we support those who need them but cannot afford to purchase them.”

Under the agreement, authorised importers, veterinarians, agricultural businesses and other approved entities will be able to import FMD vaccines directly from accredited manufacturers, subject to South Africa’s veterinary import regulations and biosecurity requirements.

The Department of Agriculture will retain responsibility for approving imports, monitoring vaccine use and maintaining disease surveillance, while government vaccination programmes will continue alongside privately funded purchases.

The settlement is expected to improve vaccine availability, shorten procurement times and strengthen South Africa’s ability to respond more rapidly to future foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.

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