South Africa Rolls Out First Locally Made Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines in 20 Years

 

South Africa has begun distributing its first locally manufactured foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines in two decades, marking a major milestone for the country’s agricultural sector.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that 12,900 doses of the newly developed OBP FMD vaccine are ready for rollout. The first batch has been prioritised for Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, where more than 2,000 cattle have been affected by the outbreak.

The vaccine is multivalent, designed to protect against multiple strains of the disease. A 2 ml dose provides protection for up to 12 months, making it a critical tool in controlling the spread of FMD.

The Minister of Agriculture described the development as a “monumental occasion”, highlighting the importance of restoring local vaccine production capacity after years of reliance on imports.

While this initial release is limited, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) plans to scale up production significantly. From March, the ARC aims to produce 20,000 doses per week, with further expansion expected over the next year. The locally produced vaccines will complement existing imported supplies.

Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious targets:

• Vaccinate 80% of targeted herds within 12 months
• Reduce FMD cases by 70% in the short term
• Achieve FMD-free status within 10 years

Authorities say the rollout represents a crucial step toward protecting livestock, safeguarding food security, and stabilising the agricultural economy.

📺 Watch the full video above for complete coverage and official statements on the vaccine rollout.

Source: News24video