health

February 19, 2026

South Africa to import record vaccines amid foot-and-mouth outbreak

South Africa’s agriculture minister has said Pretoria expects over 5 million vaccines by March to fight a livestock disease outbreak

South Africa to import record vaccines amid foot-and-mouth outbreak

TL;DR

  • South Africa will receive 1 million foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines from Argentina.
  • Over 5 million vaccines are expected from three suppliers by the end of March.
  • The outbreak has been declared a national disaster, unlocking a coordinated response.
  • The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has resumed vaccine production, with plans to scale up significantly.
  • Private veterinarians will be authorized to administer vaccines as part of the national rollout.
  • The goal is to vaccinate 80% of the national herd by December.
  • Minister Steenhuisen highlighted economic progress, including positive GDP growth, stabilizing national debt, and a strengthening rand.
  • He called for accelerated economic liberalization, greater private sector involvement, and reforms to empowerments policies and local government appointments.
  • The Democratic Alliance remains committed to the Government of National Unity but will not offer blind loyalty.

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