Millions of FMD vaccine doses arrive to save South Africa’s meat industry
Gauteng set to receive 124 800 doses as part of a targeted national rollout to protect the local agricultural sector from foot and mouth disease.
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, confirmed the shipment of the FMD vaccine from Dollvet in Turkey has arrived, and distribution to provinces will begin shortly. This latest batch forms the first tranche of a 6m-dose order placed with Dollvet through its local agents, Dunevax.
An additional 5m doses have been ordered from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and will arrive in two batches (3.5m and 1.5m) once the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority grants Section 21 approval.
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The department has secured all matched vaccines currently available on the international market to guarantee a steady supply.
Steenhuisen said the aim is to vaccinate the national herd and achieve World Organisation of Animal Health recognition of FMD-free status with vaccination, reopening international markets for South African red meat, which have been closed for decades.
Allocation of the Dollvet vaccines follows a scientific, risk-based policy using animal numbers and disease risk.
Special allocations have also been set aside to protect key food supply sectors: 100 000 doses for the dairy industry, 150 000 for the feedlot industry and 150 000 for the pig industry. Another 239 000 doses are being held in reserve for immediate emergency use where needed.
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Since February 2026, the country has already received 4m doses, 2.5m from Biogénesis Bagó and 1.5m from Dollvet, in addition to 2m doses imported in the last quarter of 2025.
These supplies have enabled the vaccination of 2.1m animals nationally. On April 10, Steenhuisen announced plans to publish the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act.
The public comment period closed on 17 April, and submissions are now being evaluated before the final scheme is published.
The department said strengthened surveillance and faster provincial reporting, together with ongoing cooperation with the private sector and industry bodies, will ensure the vaccination drive reaches every corner of the country.
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