South Africa has taken a major step in animal health protection by unveiling its first homegrown foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in almost 20 years. Announced on February 7, 2026, the vaccine has been developed and produced locally by the Agricultural Research Council. The move aims to strengthen disease control, protect livestock farmers, and reduce reliance on imported vaccines. Officials say the rollout marks a shift towards proactive, science-led management of one of the most damaging livestock diseases.
South Africa’s First Locally Developed FMD Vaccine
- The newly launched foot-and-mouth disease vaccine is the first of its kind produced domestically in South Africa in nearly two decades.
- At the launch in Johannesburg, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the release of an initial 12,900 doses.
- The vaccine has been developed by the Agricultural Research Council, which also handles production.
- Weekly output is expected to rise to 20,000 doses by March 2026, ensuring wider national coverage.
Why This FMD Vaccine Is Strategically Important
- The new South Africa FMD vaccine significantly reduces the country’s dependence on imported vaccines, which are often costly and vulnerable to global supply disruptions.
- According to the government, local production strengthens animal health security and improves outbreak response times.
- The vaccine supports a long-term strategy to shift from reactive disease control to preventive and science-driven livestock management, helping farmers protect productivity and reduce economic losses caused by sudden disease outbreaks.
Foot and Mouth Disease: A Serious Threat to Livestock
- Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
- It causes fever and painful blister-like lesions in the mouth, on hooves, and on teats, leading to sharp drops in milk yield and meat production.
- While adult animals often recover, young animals face higher mortality due to complications such as myocarditis. The disease can severely disrupt livestock trade and rural livelihoods.
Wildlife Link and Disease Transmission Risks
- All seven known serotypes of the foot-and-mouth disease virus have been detected in wildlife populations.
- In Africa, African buffalo are recognised as key carriers and long-term reservoirs of the virus.
- Although other wildlife species may be infected, they are not considered permanent hosts.
- This wildlife livestock interface makes FMD control especially challenging in South Africa, increasing the importance of widespread vaccination and surveillance programs.
Restoring FMD-Free Status and Global Confidence
- According to South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, the domestic vaccine rollout supports efforts to reclaim FMD-free status with the World Organisation for Animal Health.
- Achieving this status is critical for restoring international confidence in South Africa’s animal health systems and reopening export markets for livestock and animal products.
- The vaccine is expected to improve outbreak containment and long-term disease management capacity.
Question
Q. Foot-and-mouth disease mainly affects which type of animals?
A. Carnivores
B. Birds
C. Cloven-hoofed animals
D. Rodents