Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says early data indicates that South Africa’s mass vaccination strategy against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is yielding positive results, with no new infections reported in already vaccinated herds.
Steenhuisen highlighted that since February 2026 to 26 March 2026, provinces have vaccinated a total of 2 033 289 animals as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the national herd.
“Crucially, there have been no new breakthroughs in herds that have already been vaccinated. This provides a clear indication that the vaccines are effective and that the strategy is working,” Steenhuisen said.
Current outbreak situation
While outbreaks have been reported across all nine provinces, the Minister said the severity varies.
As of 10 April 2026, a total of 1 317 cases had been recorded. Free State has reported 328 and North West which have recorded the highest numbers reported 247 cases reported, while Northern Cape remains the least affected with only three cases recorded.
Cases reported in other provinces include Eastern Cape 71, Gauteng 241, KwaZulu-Natal 225, Limpopo 49, Mpumalanga 140, and Western Cape 13.
Steenhuisen attributed the recent increase in reported cases to improved government capacity.
“We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture. Furthermore, heightened awareness has helped identify “sub-clinical” cases, where animals carry the virus without showing obvious symptoms, which previously might have gone unnoticed,” Steenhuisen said.
Vaccine rollout and industry partnership
The Minister reported that the department has secured a steady supply of vaccines to sustain the campaign.
To date, four million doses have been received, including 2.5 million from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and 1.5 million from Dollvet in Turkey. An additional two million doses from Dollvet are expected to arrive by the end of April.
“An order for five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó has already been placed with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). The process to import has begun and 3.5 million doses of the ordered five million doses is expected to arrive before end of April 2026,” the Minister said.
He said vaccination is being implemented through a risk-based approach, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible animals.
“This strategy has seen significant success in the dairy sector," said Steenhuisen, highlighting that all recorded dairy farms in the Free State have been vaccinated, while major dairies in the Western Cape have also been fully attended to.
“The Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) has been requested to provide information on any dairy farms that have not been vaccinated. KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape have received the largest allocations due to their high animal populations, with over 78 000 doses already provided to the MPO in Eastern Cape alone.
“KwaZulu-Natal had allocated 250 000 doses to the MPO and an additional 100 000 doses has recently been allocated. All recorded dairies in Free State have been vaccinated,” the Minister said.
Routine vaccination scheme
On 10 April 2026, Steenhuisen announced plans to publish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD (RVS-FMD), under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).
The closing date for public comments is Friday, 17 April 2026. All submissions can be directed to Dr EM Mogajane at the FMD Command Centre via email at FMDcommandcent@nda.gov.za
“Following the consolidation of these, the final scheme is envisaged for publication on 24 April 2026,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
