FMD UPDATES

Following last week’s announcement of South Africa’s national strategy to contain and control Foot and mouth disease (FMD), Minister of Agriculture Mr John Steenhuisen has formally appointed the FMD Industry Coordination Council to support its implementation.

This council has been established to ensure that industry plays an active, coordinated role in supporting the phased rollout of the FMD strategy, including vaccine distribution, traceability and disease control readiness.

The council will form one part of a triangular partnership essential to delivering on the FMD response:

• The Department of Agriculture – responsible for policy, regulatory support and resourcing.
• The Technical and Scientific Task Team – offering scientific, veterinary and epidemiological expertise.
• The FMD Industry Coordination Council – providing operational insight, strategic guidance and unified industry input.

To ensure a coordinated approach with industry, the minister issued a directive assigning the council the role of aligning industry efforts with national FMD control measures.

This includes establishing and operating an industry coordination mechanism to mobilise sector actions; consolidating industry situational information; coordinating industry communication; supporting implementation readiness for traceability and audit-ready record-keeping required for movement compliance and compartmentalised operations; and facilitating non-statutory logistics, including training, awareness and implementation monitoring

A Technically Rigorous Strategy
The strategy we are employing is not a temporary patch; it is a comprehensive control and eradication programme designed to interrupt virus transmission and protect our national herd. It is important to emphasise that the success of this strategy will strongly rely on an urgent review of the legislative framework, which has to be adapted to the current emergency situation. Our plan is built on world-class technical principles:

Targeted Vaccination:

We are prioritising high risk zones, with the goal of reaching at least 80% coverage in targeted cattle populations especially the communal areas and up to 100% in feedlots and dairy cows. The objective is to reduce outbreak incidence within 12 months by more than 70% in the high-risk provinces through systematic vaccination
and preserve FMD free provinces th rough buffer vaccination and strict movement controls. High Quality Vaccines with high potency will be used during the campaign especially, trivalent vaccines of SAT 1, 2, and 3 currently circulating in South Africa. Partnerships with global leaders like Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina will ensure that we have a reliable supply, with one million doses ready to be sent as soon as the necessary permits are issued. The company indicated that as soon as the permits are issued, they are able to supply the vaccine in the coming two weeks. We are currently preparing the application for authorisation by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to use an unregistered medicine under Section 21 of Act 101 . The application will be filed by Monday. Biogenesis will also be able to supply an additional five million doses by March 2026.

We have also secured the one necessary permit to import Dollvet vaccine from Turkey.

Locally, we are activating a local production line through the ARC and OBP, which will initially produce 20 000 doses per week , scaling up to a capacity of 96 0 000 doses. The ARC indicated on Monday that they can bring forward their production which will add 12 000 doses to our vaccine pool by mid February.

Pirbright Institute – Many calls have been made and assumptions that we have not sent our latest strains to the Pirbright institute , However I can confirm I instructed the ARC to send the field strains to Pirbright as a matter of urgency. The ARC confirmed they are currently preparing the strains to be sent to the institute .

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, today expressed confidence in the national strategy to combat Foot and mouth disease (FMD), highlighting that the department and the Ministerial Advisory Task Team are hard at work implementing a decisive, fact-driven blueprint for recovery.

“South Africa now has a realistic and technically sound roadmap to realise its goal of FMD-free status with vaccination, a crucial step for restoring confidence in export markets and stabilising this R80 billion livestock industry,” Minister Steenhuisen said. “This will however take time. We need cooperation of the industry to ensure that we manage to control the disease within a short space of time.”

Ongoing SAT 2 Circulation: Southern African Territories Strain (SAT) continues to cause new outbreaks (primarily SAT 2) in KZN, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Gauteng.

Current Situation

Recently 2 outbreaks have been identified in Limpopo outside of the protection /surveillance zone.

• Introduction of SAT 1: The presence of SAT 1 in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, which is very similar to SAT 1’s in neighbouring countries, suggests cross-border introduction, such as illegal cattle movement or alternatively infectious products.
• Other Strains (O, A, etc.): These serotypes are not common in South Africa, but they pose a serious risk globally. Unlike SAT strains, O and A are highly contagious and often airborne, making them harder to contain and significantly more severe in impact.
• Transmission Differences: SAT strains are not typically airborne, which limits their spread compared to O and A. 
• Risk of Foreign Vaccine: Strains such as O and A can be introduced into the country through contaminated or improperly handled foreign vaccines, which underscores the need for strict vaccine import controls and verification protocols.

Why This Matters

The emergence of SAT 1 alongside SAT 2 underscores the importance of:

• Enhanced biosecurity and movement controls to prevent further introductions.
• Targeted vaccination strategies using SAT-specific vaccines.

Vaccination Strategy and Rollout

South Africa has announced a mass vaccination campaign to combat the ongoing FMD crisis. The first batch of vaccines is expected to arrive by mid-February 2026, marking a critical step toward regaining disease control and lifting Disease Management Areas (DMAs).

Key Details

• Source and Flexibility:

Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), is ramping up production to increase the number of doses they can supply based on our increased demand, previously the supply was based on routine vaccination in the protection zone bordering the Kruger National Park.

Additional vaccine suppliers are being actively engaged based on proper due diligence to ensure the vaccines they manufacture will fit the Target Product Profile (TPP) recommended by the Ministerial Task Team’s Vaccine working Group. The approval of a manufacturer of an oil based vaccine is eminent.

• Probable Deployment Strategy:

The Ministerial Task Team (MTT) has contracted an epidemiologist to design a Risk based vaccination strategy to assist with ensuring the vaccination campaign is carried out in scientific and efficient manner. This will entail accurate estimates of vaccine requirements, starting with critical areas of South Africa.

This coordinated effort ensures that production matches actual demand:

• Breed societies have sent letters to stud breeders requesting their vaccine needs.
• Industry organizations such as the Milk Producers’ Organization (MPO) are gathering dairy herd numbers.
• Feedlot operators are reporting standing capacities.
• Communal area census data is being collected to refine estimates.

Why This Matters

A successful widespread vaccination rollout will:

• Reduce virus circulation and outbreak intensity.
• Enable gradual lifting of movement restrictions.
• Protect the national herd and stabilize trade conditions.

Diagnostic Capability

The MTT has identified the slow turn around of laboratory results as a severe limitation to our ability to manage the FMD crisis. Regional, Provincial and possibly private laboratories could be authorised to perform serology relieving OVR-TAD of burden of doing all the testing. A number of potential laboratories have been evaluated.

It is critical for surveillance for active disease and for post-vaccination surveillance.

Protocols, Regulations, Health Schemes

Current protocols, guidelines and regulations were all designed on basis of a FMD zone free without vaccination, following the major policy shift to widespread vaccination all of the documents are being reviewed and edited.

Aspects that are receiving attention include:

• Identification and traceability
• Biosecurity rules
• Branding
• Compartmentalisation for non-vaccinated animals
• Trade including auctions, slaughter, shows.
• Animal (FMD) Health Schemes /Protocols for certain sectors including:
  • Feedlot
  • Dairy
  • Stud Breeders

Abattoirs designated for FMD slaughter

Last week, RMIS was made aware of a serious biosecurity concern involving the illegal importation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine from Kenya. This notice aims to clarify the facts, outline the actions taken, and reaffirm RMIS’s position and role in protecting the integrity of our national herd.

Following an alert issued by Dr. Mark Chimes regarding a potential attempt to bring a Kenyan-manufactured FMD vaccine into the country, RMIS immediately escalated the matter to the Border Management Agency and the State Security Agency. Subsequently, two suspicious consignments were detected, one in Polokwane and another in Pietermaritzburg.

The consignment in Polokwane, falsely labelled as “Butanol,” was successfully intercepted at the airport. The vaccine has now been secured and is being transported under police escort to the TAD Laboratory for testing.

The Kenyan vaccine contains serotypes O and A, which are not present in South Africa. Introducing foreign strains could trigger new outbreaks against which our animals have no immunity. This would have catastrophic consequences for producers, exports, and food security.

This case has now been handed over to the State Security Agency and is under investigation as a potential act of terrorism.

What You Need to Know
• Importing FMD vaccines without proper authorisation is illegal and endangers the entire livestock sector.
• No veterinary vaccine may be imported without a permit and written authorisation from the Director of Animal Health.
• Only vaccines matching SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 strains are permitted in South Africa.
• FMD vaccines must be transported under strict cold-chain conditions and declared as high-risk cargo.
• The Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) governs all vaccine use and import protocols.

RMIS is the only industry organisation formally recognised to work with government to facilitate vaccine procurement. The emergency acquisition of vaccine for the Milk Producers’ Organisation was also facilitated through our structures. Our collaboration with government ensures that all vaccine use is legal, traceable, and aligned with national disease-control strategies.

To date, we have no evidence that this illegally imported vaccine has been used locally. However, RMIS urges anyone with relevant information to report it immediately to the authorities or your nearest State Veterinarian.

Maintaining compliance with national veterinary protocols is non-negotiable. These safeguards exist to protect animal health, market access, and the long-term viability of the sector. RMIS will continue to work closely with government and enforcement agencies to ensure that any breach is addressed and that the integrity of the red meat industry is protected.

The Department of Agriculture has resolved to implement a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate the entire national herd against Foot and Mouth Disease. This initiative will position us to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status. “This strategy aims to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd systematically, beginning with the hardest-hit provinces, namely: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West, which will submit their livestock numbers, as well as their number of quarantined farms. This plan, however, will rely on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.

Current FMD Cases

Free State

• Active outbreaks continue in the in Parys/ Vredefort area.
• A stud farm has been confirmed in the area of a feedlot previously infected

Gauteng

• New cases have been identified since the last report.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Communal cattle in the Kokstad area have been vaccinated.
• Preventive vaccination was approved in the Estcourt area.

Mpumalanga

• Eight further cases have been identified in the same areas previously identified: – Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Mkhondo, Dipaleseng, Govan Mbeki, Victor Khanye, Thembisile Hani, Steve Tshwete.

North West

• Cases are being observed in the Derby area

Western Cape

• There is currently no evidence of spread of FMD from the Gouda area in the Western Cape.
• The response of WC veterinary services, farming communities, police, and metro officers has been noteworthy

Ministerial Task Team Press Release

On 6 November, the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) issued a press release outlining its progress in addressing animal disease prevention and control. The team is focusing on six priority areas:

1. Field Services & Epidemiology
2. Diagnostics & Surveillance
3. Vaccination
4. Research
5. Feedlots & Auctions
6. Market Access

The MTT identified three major challenges facing the Department and the sector: limited vaccine availability, delays in diagnostic results, and uncoordinated outbreak management.

To address these, the team is actively exploring alternative suppliers of FMD vaccines, with fast-tracking of imports considered critical to controlling current outbreaks.

Diagnostic delays are receiving urgent attention, as Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute (OVR) remains the only authorised FMD testing facility. The MTT noted that OVR plans to expand its staff and equipment capacity with support from RMIS. Additionally, the team has commissioned a laboratory specialist to explore authorising more facilities to perform FMD diagnostics.

Abattoirs designated for FMD slaughter

Addressing the Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Has FMD become endemic?

A: FMD has not been declared endemic, but it has become widespread and continues to spread due to the movement of infected animals.

This has led many to question whether it’s time to shift from an outbreak containment vaccination policy to a broader, regionally or provincially coordinated vaccination strategy.

Q: What is the progress of imports of vaccines from Turkey?

A: Currently, the suitability of the vaccine is being tested at Onderstepoort’s TAD laboratory. Based on the results, the regulatory process will be finalised so that imports can take place as soon as possible.

Q: What is the current situation at Sparta Beef?

Sparta Beef has confirmed that Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected at both its Marquard cattle feeding facility and Alma farm in the Clocolan district, following positive PCR test results on samples collected in early November 2025. In response, Sparta immediately implemented containment measures in line with national veterinary protocols and began vaccinating all cattle at both affected sites under the supervision of Free State Veterinary Services. The company is working closely with government authorities, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and protect South Africa’s livestock sector.

RIFT VALLEY FEVER (RVF):

RVF has been diagnosed in sheep in the Augrabies area. To prevent further spread, vaccination of at-risk animals is strongly advocated. RMIS has contacted OBP to determine current vaccine stock levels and will assist in coordinating the allocation of available vaccine to high-risk areas as a priority. In addition, RMIS is working with local veterinary authorities to monitor the situation closely and ensure that all necessary biosecurity measures are implemented to protect livestock and support affected farmers.

Progress Report

The Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on animal disease prevention and control was announced by the Minister of Agriculture in late August 2025. The team consists of 10 government members and 14 private veterinarians with the option to co-opt additional members based on their specialist knowledge. The MTT Is chaired by Dr Mogajane from the Department of Agriculture.

The main purpose of this Task Team is to provide advisory services to the Department on all matters of animal diseases prevention, control and related market access of animals and animal products. The MTT is not intended to replace government statutory decision making processes and authorities nor provide a parallel process.

The MTT identified 6 key areas of disease control, especially to tackle the current FMD outbreak.

1. Field Services/Epidemiology
2. Diagnostics & Surveillance
3. Vaccination
4. Research
5. Feedlots & Auctions
6. Market Access

The MTT has identified vaccine unavailability, diagnostic capability challenges and uncoordinated management of outbreaks as key challenges facing the Department and the sector.

The Task team under the leadership of the vaccination sub-group is exploring possibilities of alternative suppliers of FMD vaccines. Once identified and confirmed sources will be shared with the Department for possible acquisition. The fast tracking of entry of this vaccine to SA is considered critical to managing current outbreaks.

The MTT has debated a proposal from the feedlot industry to vaccinate routinely under strict protocols and is recommending that this approach be adopted.

A similar proposal has been submitted from the Dairy industry which was trialled in the Eastern Cape. Several requests were received including a letter from a Stud breeder farmer. From communal areas, we received requests for market access of branded animals.

The delay in getting diagnostic results is receiving urgent attention. There is only one laboratory currently authorised to do FMD testing – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute (OVR). The MTT noted that OVR is intending to increase the staff complement (with the support of RMIS) and purchase additional equipment to increase capacity. However, the MTT also believes that additional laboratories need to be authorised to do FMD diagnostics and has contracted a credible laboratory specialist to investigate possible laboratories.

A project to strengthen tracing of disease outbreaks and improve communication has been initiated. Special focus will be on containing the disease and managing the movement of animals.

Issued by: the Task team.

Department of Agriculture in partnership with RMIS

DATE: 06/11/25

FMD HOTSPOTS

Free State:

• New confirmed outbreak areas have been reported in the Parys/Vredefort region as well as in Bothaville.
• The quarantine has been lifted at the Karan Beef Deneysville holding station, achieved through a slaughter-out process.
• Initially, no new outbreaks were reported in the Deneysville area; however, this has changed as a dairy farm has now been confirmed positive, and a communal herd is suspected to be infected.

Gauteng

• Five new cases have been reported in Gauteng this week. In total Gauteng has 105 number of FMD Cases reported.
• In addition, a new FMD SAT 1 strain has been identified in one of the outbreaks — whereas the current outbreaks were previously classified as SAT 2. An investigation is underway to determine the possible source of this new strain.
• Morgan Beef has resumed slaughtering operations. Their abattoir has also been approved to slaughter FMD-affected cattle.
• Livestock owners around the Libanon Mine area in the West Rand are urged to strengthen biosecurity protocols on their farms. There are reports of free-grazing cattle testing positive for FMD, with some owners refusing vaccination and hiding infected animals from authorities. These animals are also moving into new grazing areas, increasing the risk of further spread.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Recent cases diagnosed in the Kokstad area amongst 5,000 communal cattle.
• Ministerial Task team met with MPO members in the area of the new cases to discuss the action plan. Pre-emptive vaccination is an option provided vaccines are available

Mpumalanga

• Recent cases diagnosed are in Mkohondo, eMalahleni, and Victor Khanye areas.
• Cases of FMD in Mpumalanga are cluster on the west close to the Gauteng border and a case in a feedlot close to Volksrust.

North West

• Cases are mainly in the Ventersdorp / Potchefstroom/ Orkney areas.

Western Cape

• An isolated case was discovered in the Gouda area of the Western Cape related to the movement of infected animals into the area.
• The isolated case was identified when cattle from the area were transported to the Sparta Feedlot. Upon offloading, lesions were observed on some of the animals.

ABATTOIRS DESIGNATED FOR FMD SLAUGTER

KZN INDABA FEEDBACK

On 30 and 31 October, KwaZulu-Natal successfully hosted a well-attended meeting on FMD – the FMD Ukubambisana. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, Onderstepoort Biological Products, the livestock industry, and state veterinary services, shared valuable insights on vaccine production and availability, as well as the epidemiology and distribution of FMD in both KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

The meeting fostered a strong understanding of the challenges and realities surrounding FMD spread and provided an excellent platform for building networks and developing meaningful, collaborative solutions.

Key points from the Indaba:

• The meeting focused on clarifying protocols for live animal sales and movement within the FMD Disease Management Area, with urgent calls for written guidelines to address confusion and prevent illegal trading.
• Stakeholders discussed the Terminal Feedlot proposal to create a secure, legal market for affected animals, highlighted vaccine shortages impacting dairies, and agreed to streamline risk assessment processes. Improved information sharing and continued education for farmers were emphasised as critical for effective disease control.

ADDRESSING THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are Vaccines from Turkey Being Considered for South Africa?

A: Discussions have taken place regarding importing vaccines from Dollvet in Turkey. Engagements are ongoing, with further information expected soon. Currently, vaccine imports are limited to outbreak management & prevention of further spread. The ministerial team is considering broader access for general farming, and South African feedlots and dairies have requested approval for pre-emptive vaccination in high-risk areas.