JOHANNESBURG - The rollout of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines is ongoing.
In a significant move to bolster agricultural health across South Africa, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has announced that the country will receive an additional one million vaccines this Saturday.
This is part of the government's ongoing strategy to combat livestock diseases and strengthen the agricultural sector's resilience.
Steenhuisen highlighted that the new shipment is part of a broader effort to diversify vaccine sources. “We have, for the first time, secured new international suppliers, strengthening our response,” he said.
READ: Government accelerates FMD vaccine distribution
This effort comes at a critical time, as the country works to enhance its vaccination capabilities and ensure that the agricultural industry is well-equipped to handle potential outbreaks.
A key part of this strategy is the first-ever production of a batch of vaccines for operational purposes by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) after more than 20 years.
Steenhuisen emphasised that the ARC facility, now capable of producing 20,000 vaccines per week, is expected to ramp up production to 200,000 per week by 2027.
This is a significant milestone that will increase the country's self-sufficiency in vaccine production and reduce reliance on international imports over time.
READ: Plans to vaccinate 14m-strong national herd
The delivery of one million vaccines from Biogenesis Bago marks the largest single import of vaccines to date, which will be distributed across South Africa’s most affected provinces and regions. These vaccines are expected to provide much-needed relief to local farmers and agricultural workers who have been struggling to manage livestock diseases.
Steenhuisen also confirmed that by the end of March, South Africa will have received more than five million vaccines from three different suppliers.
This influx will bolster the government's ongoing mass vaccination efforts, which have already seen more than two million vaccines administered across the country.
The department plans to continue accelerating vaccination efforts, ensuring that vaccines reach the most vulnerable agricultural communities.