South Africa Launches Largest-Ever FMD Vaccination Drive

South Africa is rolling out the most ambitious animal vaccination campaign in its history, and it all starts this Friday in KwaZulu-Natal.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will officially launch the nationwide mass vaccination program against Foot and Mouth Disease at Colbourne Dairy Farm near Mooi River. The timing couldn't be better for farmers who depend on healthy livestock for their survival.

One million high-potency vaccine doses arrived from Argentina last Saturday, marking the largest single FMD vaccine shipment ever to enter South Africa. The vaccines came from Biogénesis Bagó, a trusted pharmaceutical company specializing in animal health.

This massive delivery kickstarts the Department of Agriculture's new 10-Year Strategic Plan to protect the entire national herd. Millions more doses have already been ordered and will arrive soon to keep the momentum going.

The department designed the rollout with smart strategy in mind. Vaccination teams will start in the highest-risk areas where disease spreads fastest, then gradually move to lower-risk regions to create a protective shield across the country.

The Ripple Effect

Protecting livestock from FMD means more than just animal health. When cattle stay healthy, dairy farmers can keep producing milk, families maintain their income, and food supplies remain stable for communities across South Africa.

The disease doesn't affect humans but devastates cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, causing severe economic losses. This vaccination program protects thousands of farming families who would otherwise face financial ruin from outbreaks.

The 10-year commitment shows South Africa is thinking long-term about food security and rural prosperity. It's a model other countries facing similar challenges could follow.

Friday's launch represents hope for a future where South African farmers can focus on growth instead of disease control.