South Africa has resumed local production of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines for the first time in over two decades, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to control the livestock disease and protect its agricultural economy. The first batch of locally produced vaccines – 12,900 multi-strain doses – were formally handed over to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen on , at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility.
The resumption of local vaccine production signals a shift in strategy, moving away from a reactive approach of chasing outbreaks to a proactive, science-led “War on FMD,” according to Minister Steenhuisen. This development comes at a critical time, as South Africa has been battling a major FMD outbreak impacting cattle herds and creating economic pressure for farmers. Foot-and-mouth disease, while rarely fatal, causes painful blisters in the mouths and hooves of cattle, leading to reduced milk production and often triggering quarantine measures that disrupt exports and increase veterinary costs.
Until recently, South Africa relied heavily on imported vaccines to manage FMD outbreaks. The return of local production is intended to improve the country’s ability to respond rapidly to outbreaks and safeguard its agricultural sector. The ARC ceased local production in 2005 due to outdated technology and infrastructure that did not meet international Good Manufacturing Practice standards. After nearly 20 years of research and modernization, the ARC has successfully utilized modern bioreactor technology to produce the initial vaccine doses.
The government aims to have an additional five million vaccine doses available by as part of a multi-phase disease control strategy. This strategy also includes stricter testing and monitoring measures designed to slow the spread of the virus and enable faster detection of new infections. Authorities are targeting a reduction of outbreaks by more than 70 percent in high-risk regions by next year.
The impact of FMD extends beyond the immediate health of livestock. Livestock plays a crucial role in South Africa’s agricultural exports and provides significant rural employment. Outbreaks can lead to trade restrictions, impacting the livelihoods of farmers and the broader economy. The current outbreaks have taken a significant emotional and financial toll on the agricultural community, as acknowledged by Minister Steenhuisen.
“To our farmers who have watched their livelihoods disappear before their eyes, I hear you, and I feel the weight of this hardship with you,” Minister Steenhuisen stated. “This has been a long, exhausting road, but I want you to know that help is not just coming, it is here.” He emphasized the department’s commitment to eradicating the disease and building a system to protect herds for generations to come.
By the end of , approximately two million animals had already been vaccinated as part of the national vaccination campaign. The newly produced vaccines will help accelerate this effort. The goal is to reclaim South Africa’s FMD-free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), achieved through collaboration between the government, the ARC, and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).
The development of the local vaccine production capability represents a significant investment in the country’s biosecurity infrastructure. Dr. Magingxa, President and CEO of the ARC, handed over the first batch of vaccines to Minister Steenhuisen, symbolizing the culmination of years of effort to restore this critical capability. The initiative is part of a focused ten-year strategy to address FMD and secure the future of South Africa’s livestock industry.
