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.
- Field Services/Epidemiology
- Diagnostics & Surveillance
- Vaccination
- Research
- Feedlots & Auctions
- 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
