South Africa Ends State Control of FMD Vaccine Imports

South Africa has ended the government's exclusive control over Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine imports, allowing private companies and livestock farmers to import and use the vaccines under a new agreement aimed at improving disease control.

The agreement followed negotiations between the Department of Agriculture and farming groups, including Sakeliga, the South African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and Free State Agriculture, ending a legal dispute over vaccine access. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said the decision takes immediate effect and will improve vaccine availability as the country continues to battle recurring FMD outbreaks.

Under the new arrangement, owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs can voluntarily vaccinate their animals after meeting biosecurity, traceability and reporting requirements. Farmers must notify authorities before vaccination, become authorised to obtain the vaccines and submit reports after the exercise.

Aucamp said stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector is needed to tackle the disease, adding that the government alone cannot manage the challenge. Farming groups welcomed the agreement, saying it will give livestock owners faster access to vaccines and improve disease control. The government said it will continue to procure vaccines for public vaccination programmes, especially in outbreak areas and for farmers who cannot afford privately supplied doses.