In a major escalation of the government’s “war” against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced the arrival of an additional two million doses of the Dollvet vaccine from Turkey. This latest shipment, which landed on Tuesday morning, brings the total number of doses successfully imported since late February 2026 to eight million.
The accelerated procurement drive marks a turning point in the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to biosecurity and the protection of rural livelihoods. With five million additional doses expected shortly, the country is projected to have landed a total of 15 million doses by the end of May 2026.
Objective: 80% Herd Immunity by December
The vaccination campaign is the centerpiece of a strategic roadmap to vaccinate 80% of the national herd—approximately 14 million cattle—by the end of December 2026. This large-scale effort is designed to help South Africa achieve and maintain the international status of “FMD free with vaccination.”
“By securing vaccine volumes at this scale, we are ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a resilient pillar of the economy,” Minister Steenhuisen stated. The move aims to protect export markets and safeguard domestic food security from the economic damage caused by recurring outbreaks.
“Cows Do Not Carry Passports”: A Regional Front
Recognizing that diseases do not respect borders, the Minister has launched a new era of South-South cooperation. On Monday, May 11, Steenhuisen was joined in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, by Eswatini’s Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, and representatives from Mozambique. Together, they oversaw the vaccination of 300 cattle, symbolizing a unified regional front.
Drawing on lessons from South America’s successful FMD eradication, Steenhuisen emphasized that no country can defeat the disease in isolation. “Cows do not carry passports,” he remarked. “If one country acts alone, the risk remains for everyone. We must move beyond simply reacting to outbreaks.”
Establishing a SADC Antigen Bank
The momentum for a regional response will continue later this month when Minister Steenhuisen chairs a meeting of SADC Agriculture Ministers in Zimbabwe. A key proposal on the agenda is the establishment of a SADC Antigen Bank. This would allow Southern African nations to access vaccines rapidly during emergencies without relying on lengthy international procurement processes.
Discussions will also focus on regional livestock traceability and coordinated animal movement control platforms to prevent the cross-border spread of transboundary diseases.
Standing with the Farmers
Acknowledging the “pain, uncertainty, and economic damage” the disease has caused, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s support for the farming community. He committed to ensuring that, through this large-scale plan, the current outbreak will be the last to devastate the industry.
Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and report any suspected cases immediately.
Contact & Support Resources
- FMD Support Line: 0860 246 640
- Official Website: fmd.nda.gov.za