Story perspectives

South Africa Launches Vaccine Campaign Amid Cattle Disease Crisis

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Africa faces a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, triggering a cattle vaccination campaign.
The outbreak affected over 297,000 cattle, with more than 120,000 animals culled.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced vaccine rollout, with a million doses from Turkey.
The supply remains insufficient for nearly 12 million cattle needing vaccination.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted export bans and trade restrictions due to the outbreak.

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Story summary

South Africa faces a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, triggering a cattle vaccination campaign.
The outbreak affected over 297,000 cattle, with more than 120,000 animals culled.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced vaccine rollout, with a million doses from Turkey.
The supply remains insufficient for nearly 12 million cattle needing vaccination.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted export bans and trade restrictions due to the outbreak.