Vaccine delays hamper South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease control

Delays in the procurement and distribution of vaccines are exposing critical inefficiencies in South Africa's response to a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The outbreak, which has led to significant livestock losses and trade restrictions, is centered in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.

During a farm visit in late February, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen acknowledged challenges with vaccine supply. He stated that a batch of vaccines was expected, highlighting the reliance on international suppliers. The government's efforts to secure millions of doses have been complicated by global supply chain issues and the need for specific vaccine strains matching the circulating virus.

The ongoing outbreak has severely impacted South Africa's beef exports, with key markets like China, Namibia, and eSwatini imposing bans. The agricultural sector estimates losses running into billions of rands. Veterinary experts and industry bodies have repeatedly called for a more streamlined and proactive vaccination strategy to contain the spread and protect the national herd.

As of March 2026, the situation remains a pressing concern for food security and rural livelihoods. The government faces mounting pressure to resolve the logistical bottlenecks and accelerate the vaccination campaign to bring the persistent outbreak under control.