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South Africa Sets National Cattle Vaccination Plan to Curb Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The shift aims to secure WOAH recognition of freedom with vaccination to reopen export markets.

Overview

  • Millions of doses will be deployed from early 2026, beginning in the hardest‑hit provinces of KwaZulu‑Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West.
  • The department targets delivery of two million vaccine doses by February in two consignments, with a further 1.5 million doses expected through government–industry arrangements.
  • A new mid‑scale production facility is being established under the national biosecurity programme, with work under way to formalise partnerships with OBP, the ARC and international partners including China and Argentina.
  • Despite vaccinating 931,200 animals in the past three months, officials say uncontrolled animal movement is undermining containment and will be a priority for enforcement.
  • KwaZulu‑Natal remains the epicentre with 180 of 274 unresolved outbreaks, and dairy producers there are receiving targeted doses and limited relief that allows single‑pasteurised milk for local sale.