South Africa Receives First FMD Vaccine Shipment from Türkiye

South Africa has taken delivery of the first batch of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines from Türkiye as it steps up efforts to control an outbreak affecting the livestock sector.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said 2 million doses have arrived, part of a total order of 6 million doses. He added that distribution to provinces will begin this week under a wider vaccination programme.

Steenhuisen said the government is sourcing vaccines from different suppliers to maintain steady supply and respond to the outbreak.

He also noted that approval is still pending from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for an additional 5 million doses ordered from Argentina.

The minister said the vaccination campaign is aimed at improving animal health and restoring the country’s disease status. He explained that widespread vaccination could help South Africa regain recognition as free of foot-and-mouth disease with vaccination, which is required to reopen red meat export markets.

The government declared a national state of disaster in February following the rapid spread of the disease across several regions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said about 28 million vaccine doses will be needed to cover roughly 14 million cattle by February 2027.

Official data shows that 1,317 cases had been recorded nationwide as of April 10, indicating continued transmission.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.