The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has acknowledged the severe difficulties confronting South African farmers, particularly dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, due to one of the most damaging and persistent waves of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) seen in decades. In a media statement on November 26, 2025, the Minister stressed his understanding and shared determination to end the crisis, but conceded that the current trajectory is “a battle we are currently not winning”. Consequently, the Department of Agriculture is significantly strengthening its approach to regain control of the situation.
KwaZulu-Natal: The Epicenter of the Outbreak
As of November 2025, KwaZulu-Natal remains the core of the FMD outbreak, accounting for 180 of the 274 unresolved outbreaks reported nationally. Farmers in districts such as Kokstad, Dundee, Underberg, and Dannhauser have suffered significant losses, movement restrictions, and severe disruptions to their livelihoods.
Despite the vaccination of 931,200 animals using government-procured vaccines over the last three months, uncontrolled animal movement continues to undermine containment efforts. The Minister emphasized that this remains the single biggest threat to national containment efforts, stressing that the success of the FMD response relies heavily on law enforcement.
Strengthened Vaccination Strategy and Supply
The government is shifting to a comprehensive strategy focused on vaccinating the entire national herd. This initiative aims to position South Africa to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of “freedom with vaccination” status.
The systematic vaccination strategy will initially target the hardest-hit provinces, including:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Gauteng
- Free State
- Mpumalanga
- North West
This plan is contingent on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply. The Department of Agriculture anticipates taking delivery of two million doses of FMD vaccines in two separate consignments by February 2026. Furthermore, an additional 1.5 million doses are expected to be made available through a joint effort between government and industry. To reduce dependence on imported vaccines, a new mid-scale vaccine production facility is also being established as part of the national biosecurity strengthening programme.
Key Industry Partnerships and Relief Measures
Minister Steenhuisen acknowledged the vital role of industry partnerships in the response. He specifically thanked the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) for purchasing 50,000 vaccine doses for distribution to KwaZulu-Natal dairy farmers. Other industry players like the Red Meat Industry Services (RIMS) have also offered tangible contributions.
Specific dairy farms in KwaZulu-Natal have already received doses from these efforts:
- Bergville: 3,000 doses
- Estcourt: 2,500 doses
- Winterton: An initial 1,500 doses, with an additional 3,000 doses to follow
- Dundee: 4,000 doses (from government stock)
- Spioenkop Dam area: 5,000 doses (from government stock)
In addition to vaccine rollouts, the Department has introduced limited relief measures for compliant farmers within the disease management areas, including permitting milk for local consumption after a single pasteurisation.
 International Support and Future Commitments
The government is actively working with the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to formalise public-private partnerships. International partners, including China and Argentina, have already offered technical cooperation and support regarding vaccine provision.
The Department is also committed to improving laboratory capacity to ensure quick sample analysis and timely communication of results. This strengthened response is part of a broader agricultural recovery programme aimed at safeguarding animal health, protecting rural economies, and building long-term biosecurity preparedness. The Minister reaffirmed the department’s commitment to stand with farmers through this difficult period.