Concerns over foot and mouth disease vaccines as South Africa grapples with outbreak

THE South African red meat industry is currently facing a pressing challenge with the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, characterised by a notable shortfall in available vaccines.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

However, industry leaders have assured stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm, as the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that more vaccine imports are on the horizon.

Dewald Olivier, CEO of the Red Meat Industry Services, on Tuesday said that the current FMD outbreak was being managed, but it cannot yet be described as fully under control.

“Outbreaks remain localised in certain areas, and containment zones together with movement restrictions in place to limit further spread. What is important is that industry and government are working more closely than in previous years, which has improved coordination of the response,” he said.

On vaccines, Olivier added that there was currently a shortfall relative to the total national demand.