The Western Cape Department of Agriculture took delivery of 50,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses on Friday, the latest consignment in a national effort to contain an outbreak that has reached every province.
The Biogenesis Vago vaccines bring the province’s total supply to roughly 220,000 doses. Provincial officials say the rollout is being coordinated with private veterinary practitioners to reach commercial and communal herds across the province.
Why it matters
South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease crisis, first detected in late 2025, triggered a national disaster declaration in February and shut down all exports of cloven-hoofed livestock products. The agricultural industry estimates the trade ban has cost billions of rands.
Vaccination progress
The Western Cape was among the first provinces to begin vaccinating after the national government secured millions of additional doses from international suppliers. The Department of Agriculture said the strong collaboration between government and the private sector is key to containing the disease.
Nationally, the rollout has reached Gauteng communal farmers, though rural access remains a challenge in provinces like the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
What is at stake
South Africa’s red meat and wool exports depend on the country regaining its disease-free status, a process the World Organisation for Animal Health says can take years after an outbreak. Until the vaccination campaign reaches critical coverage, trade partners are unlikely to lift import restrictions.
The next round of provincial vaccine deliveries is expected within two weeks, according to the national Department of Agriculture.