South Africa Faces Historic Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

South Africa is currently experiencing its most severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in history, as reported by Johan Kotze, president of AgriSA, the country's main agricultural association. The outbreak has spread across nearly all nine provinces, prompting the government to declare a national disaster. Thousands of outbreaks have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health, significantly impacting the livestock sector and leading to economic strains for farmers. Major markets, including China and neighboring countries, have imposed bans on South African livestock imports to prevent the disease's spread.

South Africa Hit by The Most Severe Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Its History – AL24 NewsSouth Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease VaccinesSouth Africa's critical step: First shipment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines arrives

In response to the crisis, South Africa has initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting its herd of over 14 million cattle. The first shipment of one million high-potency vaccines from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina arrived at O. R. Tambo International Airport on February 21, 2026. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen emphasized that this shipment is part of a broader 10-Year Eradication Strategy aimed at achieving "FMD-Free Status with Vaccination." An additional five million doses are expected to arrive by the end of March, with local production plans to increase to 200,000 doses per week by 2027.

South Africa's critical step: First shipment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines arrivesSouth Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease VaccinesSouth Africa Hit by The Most Severe Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Its History – AL24 News

The ongoing outbreak has led to significant operational challenges for farmers, with strict movement controls and culling of infected animals being implemented as containment measures. Bennie Van Zyl, spokesperson for TLU SA, highlighted the importance of compliance with biosecurity measures, stating that illegal movement of animals could jeopardize progress in controlling the outbreak. The Department of Agriculture has warned that outbreaks have now been reported in all provinces, necessitating a risk-based vaccination strategy prioritizing high-risk regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Gauteng.

South Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease VaccinesSouth Africa Hit by The Most Severe Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Its History – AL24 NewsSouth Africa's critical step: First shipment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines arrives

President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the State of the Nation Address, described the outbreak as causing severe economic damage and threatening jobs within the agricultural sector. He confirmed that the government aims to vaccinate the entire national herd, requiring a total of 28 million vaccines over the coming months. A task team of farming organizations and experts will monitor progress and ensure that both commercial and communal farmers have access to vaccines.

South Africa's critical step: First shipment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines arrives

While the vaccination efforts have been welcomed, there are concerns regarding the speed and coverage of the vaccination campaign. Limited supply has constrained efforts, and stakeholders emphasize the need for collaboration between government and private sectors to effectively manage the outbreak.

South Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines

• “We are facing a national crisis,” — Johan Kotze, President of AgriSA

South Africa Hit by The Most Severe Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Its History – AL24 News

• “Vaccination has already started in affected areas, but limited supply has constrained both speed and coverage,” — John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture

South Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines

• “Farmers must comply with all biosecurity measures.” — Bennie Van Zyl, TLU SA Spokesperson

South Africa Receives First Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines

• “We have decided to vaccinate the entire national herd of 14 million cattle.” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

South Africa's critical step: First shipment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines arrives

The situation remains critical as South Africa navigates the challenges posed by this unprecedented FMD outbreak, with ongoing efforts to stabilize the livestock sector and protect the nation's agricultural economy.

South Africa Hit by The Most Severe Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Its History – AL24 News