The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has acknowledged the ongoing hardships facing South African farmers as the country continues to grapple with one of the most persistent waves of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in decades. KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre, with 180 of the 274 unresolved outbreaks reported nationally.
"Farmers are facing immense challenges, and I want them to know that I see the impact on their families, businesses, and communities," said Minister Steenhuisen. “While important progress has been made, the current trajectory is not acceptable. We are significantly strengthening our approach to regain control of the situation."
Intensified response and vaccination efforts
Recent outbreaks in areas such as Kokstad have prompted targeted vaccination campaigns in Estcourt and surrounding zones. Over the past three months, 931,200 animals have been vaccinated using government-procured stock, and further support is being rolled out through public-private partnerships.
Industry stakeholders have also contributed significantly. The Red Meat Industry Services (RIMS) and the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO), which purchased 50,000 vaccine doses for KwaZulu-Natal dairy farmers, exemplify the type of collaboration the government is encouraging.
To date, vaccine distribution has included:
• Bergville: 3,000 doses
• Estcourt: 2,500 doses
• Winterton: initial 1,500 doses, with 3,000 additional doses pending
• Dundee: 4,000 doses (from government stock)
• Spioenkop Dam area: 5,000 doses (from government stock)
By February 2026, an additional two million doses are expected to arrive in two separate consignments, complemented by the establishment of a mid-scale domestic vaccine production facility to reduce reliance on imports.
Comprehensive national strategy
The Department of Agriculture has committed to a systematic national vaccination programme, starting with the provinces hardest hit by the outbreak: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West. The plan aims to position South Africa to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for “freedom with vaccination” status.
Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that vaccine availability alone is not enough. Uncontrolled animal movement remains the biggest threat to containing FMD, and law enforcement measures will be strengthened alongside vaccination efforts.
"We remain committed to supporting farmers and rural communities during this difficult period,” the minister said. “This includes improving laboratory capacity to ensure rapid testing and timely communication of results, and standing with the sector to rebuild resilience and long-term biosecurity."
