South Africa Launches Ambitious Strategy to Achieve FMD-Free Status with Vaccination
Farmers Magazine | 19.12.2025 15:13
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has expressed confidence in South Africa’s new national strategy to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). He highlighted that the Department of Agriculture and the Ministerial Advisory Task Team are implementing a fact-driven, technically sound roadmap aimed at restoring the country’s FMD-free status with vaccination. Minister Steenhuisen noted that achieving this milestone is crucial for stabilising the R80 billion livestock sector and rebuilding confidence in export markets. He emphasized that success will require full cooperation from the livestock industry to control the disease within a short timeframe. The plan also focuses on protecting national food security through a science-backed, phased approach.
