SA produces first locally made Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines in over 20 years

SOUTH Africa has marked a major milestone in animal health and biosecurity with the handover of the first batch of locally produced Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines in more than two decades, as the country battles a widespread outbreak of the highly contagious disease.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The Agricultural Research Council's Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) on Friday officially handed over the vaccines to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, describing the achievement as a breakthrough for the country’s livestock industry and food security. ARC said the release of the vaccine represents a significant step forward in reducing South Africa's reliance on imported vaccines while strengthening its capacity to respond rapidly to outbreaks.

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and outbreaks can have devastating economic effects, including trade disruptions, movement restrictions and severe losses for farmers. “This achievement represents a significant advancement in enhancing the country’s capacity to protect its livestock industry, safeguard food security, and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.”