South Africa has produced its first locally manufactured vaccine to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in nearly two decades, a milestone officials hope will help curb a persistent outbreak that has disrupted livestock farming and strained agricultural exports.
The vaccine has been developed at the Agricultural Research Council’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility, reviving domestic production that was halted in the mid-2000s after infrastructure was deemed outdated. Authorities say the move will strengthen South Africa’s ability to respond more rapidly to outbreaks and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. While it rarely proves fatal in adult animals, it causes fever and painful lesions that sharply reduce productivity. Outbreaks often trigger strict movement controls and trade restrictions, making the disease particularly damaging for export-oriented economies.
South Africa has struggled to contain a resurgence of FMD in recent years, with infections reported across multiple provinces. The outbreak has led to temporary closures of livestock auctions, limits on animal movement and the suspension of some meat exports, compounding financial pressure on both commercial farmers and small-scale producers.
The agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, described the locally produced vaccine as a critical intervention, saying it would bolster the country’s frontline defences against the disease. Officials argue that domestic manufacturing allows for a more reliable supply and vaccines better aligned with locally circulating virus strains, particularly during periods of global supply disruption.
Initial production volumes remain limited, but authorities expect capacity to increase steadily as facilities reach full operation. The first batches are being allocated to high-risk areas and regions already affected by outbreaks, with provincial veterinary services responsible for distribution and administration.
The return to local vaccine production is also seen as a step towards regaining South Africa’s internationally recognised FMD-free status, which is essential for restoring access to export markets. Officials have cautioned, however, that vaccination alone will not resolve the crisis. Measures such as tighter biosecurity, improved disease surveillance and stricter controls on animal movement are also required.
Farmer organisations have broadly welcomed the development, while warning that its success will depend on the speed and scale of the rollout. Some groups have previously criticised the government’s response to the outbreak, arguing that delays in securing vaccines exacerbated losses and prolonged uncertainty across the sector.
Beyond the immediate emergency, the vaccine rollout signals a broader shift in South Africa’s approach to animal health, with renewed investment in public research institutions and disease-control capacity. Authorities say the long-term aim is to build a more self-sufficient system capable of responding swiftly to future outbreaks and protecting food security.
For livestock farmers grappling with ongoing restrictions and rising costs, the arrival of a home-grown vaccine offers cautious optimism after months of disruption and economic strain.
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