QAgriculture Minister Steenhuisen
Pretoria – Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has kicked off a major nationwide push to vaccinate South Africa’s entire cattle herd against foot-and-mouth disease, aiming to stamp out ongoing outbreaks that have hit farmers hard for years. This mass vaccination programme, set to roll out across all provinces starting in early 2026, comes as a key step to protect livestock and get the beef export market back on track. Steenhuisen shared the plan at a gathering of farming leaders, stressing how this move will help cut down on new cases and build a safer future for the industry. With millions of doses lined up and a focus on the worst-affected areas first, the drive shows the government’s fresh take on tackling a problem that has cost billions and shaken trust in the sector.
The announcement marks a big policy shift, moving from spot fixes to a full-country approach. Farmers and experts have welcomed it, saying it could finally turn the tide on a disease that spreads fast and hits hard. As South Africa works towards a special status from global animal health watchers that allows exports even with vaccines in use, this programme could open doors to lost markets like China and the Middle East. For everyday farmers, from big commercial operations to small communal ones, it means less worry about losing herds and more hope for steady incomes.
The Ongoing Battle Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease, often called FMD, is a highly catchy virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, blisters in the mouth and on feet, and can lead to lameness or even death in young ones. While it does not harm people, outbreaks bring tough rules like movement bans and culls, which crush farm businesses. South Africa has faced waves of FMD since 2019, with the latest ones starting in KwaZulu-Natal and spreading to spots like Limpopo, Free State, and Gauteng.
Right now, the country deals with 274 unresolved outbreaks, with 180 in KwaZulu-Natal alone making it the main hot spot. These have led to huge losses, estimated at over R20 billion in missed exports and extra costs for controls. Farms in affected zones cannot sell or move animals, hitting feedlots, dairies, and beef producers hardest. The virus likely jumps from wild buffalo in places like Kruger National Park to nearby cattle, but poor biosecurity on some farms and illegal animal moves make it worse.
Past efforts focused on culling sick herds and ring vaccinations around outbreaks, but these have not stopped new cases popping up. Steenhuisen pointed out that the disease has become a stubborn issue, calling for bolder steps. His department’s team has mapped out ways to drop FMD incidents by 70% in high-risk zones over the next two years, with targets like 90% coverage for most animals and full 100% for dairy cows, which are extra vulnerable.
Details of the Nationwide Vaccination Programme
The new drive aims to jab every one of South Africa’s more than seven million cattle, starting with the provinces feeling the pinch most: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West. This phased rollout kicks in from February 2026, zeroing in on feedlots, commercial farms, and communal areas where risks run high. The goal is to build herd immunity, making it tougher for the virus to spread and protecting the whole industry.
Already, nearly 950,000 animals have gotten shots in recent months using vaccines bought by the government. This early work has helped in spots like KwaZulu-Natal, where quick action contained some flares. Steenhuisen explained that the full programme will ramp up as more supplies come in, with teams working hand-in-hand with vets, farmers, and local leaders to get jabs done safely and on time.
A big part of the plan is seeking a “state of disaster” tag for the outbreak, which could unlock extra funds and powers to speed things up. This would let the government cut red tape, boost testing, and enforce stricter checks on animal moves. Farmers’ groups have backed this, saying it shows real commitment to fixing a crisis that has dragged on too long.
Vaccine Supply and Implementation Challenges
Securing enough vaccines has been key to this launch. The Botswana Vaccine Institute has stepped up, promising one million doses a month from mid-January 2026. This steady flow will let South Africa cover critical areas fast, starting with KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, then moving to Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and beyond. The vaccines target the main FMD strains in the country, with boosters planned to keep protection strong.
Rolling this out nationwide brings hurdles, though. South Africa’s mix of big modern farms and small rural setups means teams must adapt. In communal lands, where cattle roam free and owners might not have easy access, outreach will include mobile clinics and community talks to build trust. Commercial spots like feedlots, which hold thousands of animals in tight spaces, need careful handling to avoid stress that could weaken immunity.
Costs are another factor, with the programme likely running into hundreds of millions of rands. The government has set aside funds, but partnerships with private vets and industry bodies will help share the load. Training more staff for safe jabs and tracking side effects is also on the list, ensuring the drive does not spark new problems.
Economic and Global Impacts
FMD outbreaks have slammed South Africa’s beef sector, the biggest in Africa. Exports to top buyers like China halted in 2022 after a big wave, costing jobs and billions in sales. Other markets in the Middle East and Europe also shut doors, forcing farmers to sell locally at lower prices. Regaining “FMD-free with vaccination” status from the World Organisation for Animal Health is the big prize here, as it would let vaccinated beef back on world shelves with proper checks.
For local folks, this means more stable food prices and stronger rural economies. Dairy farmers, who supply milk to millions, stand to gain from full coverage, cutting risks of production drops. The drive also ties into wider goals like boosting African trade under deals like the African Continental Free Trade Area, where clean animal health opens borders.
Experts warn that success needs everyone on board. Farmers must report sick animals early, follow biosecurity rules like fencing and cleaning gear, and avoid risky trades. Government labs will keep testing to spot strains and tweak vaccines, while research into better tools continues.
Looking Forward to a Healthier Herd
As the vaccination teams gear up for February’s start, Steenhuisen has called on all South Africans to support the effort. This programme is not just about saving cattle; it is about securing jobs, food, and a key part of the economy. With careful planning and strong teamwork, it could mark the end of FMD’s grip on the country.
In the coming months, updates will track progress, from dose deliveries to coverage rates. For farmers who have weathered tough times, this launch brings real hope. By protecting herds today, South Africa sets up for a thriving tomorrow in global agriculture.
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 122: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Vows ‘I Can’t Go to Jail and Leave My Kids’ Amid Blue Lights Saga Scrutiny 🔴
Download here⬇️⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube