South Africa Introduces Online System for Farmers to Self-Vaccinate Livestock Against FMD

South Africa has launched an online authorisation system that allows livestock owners to apply for permission to vaccinate their own animals against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The new platform is part of efforts to strengthen disease control following recent outbreaks that disrupted livestock movement and threatened agricultural exports.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said the system gives cattle owners and farm managers a greater role in protecting their livestock while ensuring they meet government biosecurity and reporting requirements. He said the department remains committed to working with the private sector to tackle the disease.

Under the new system, livestock owners must first apply to become an authorised person through the FMD reporting platform. Once approved, they must notify the relevant Provincial Director of Veterinary Services or State Veterinarian at least five days before carrying out vaccinations.

Approved applicants can then obtain vaccines from authorised veterinarians. They are also required to submit a vaccination report within 14 days, stating the number of animals vaccinated, the vaccine used and the farm where the vaccinations took place.

The Department of Agriculture said the system will improve monitoring of the national vaccination programme and meet legal and biosecurity requirements. Officials added that the vaccination data will help South Africa demonstrate its disease control progress as it works towards regaining FMD-free status with vaccination through the World Organisation for Animal Health.