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