South Africa’s FMD vaccination campaign is showing promising early results, with government reporting strong progress in containing the spread of the disease across the country’s livestock sector.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that more than 2 million animals have been vaccinated since February 2026, with early data indicating that the strategy is effectively protecting herds.

Crucially, authorities have recorded no new disease outbreaks in vaccinated herds, reinforcing confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccines and the broader containment strategy.

Despite Foot and Mouth Disease cases being reported across all nine provinces, the minister clarified that the recent rise in numbers reflects improved surveillance rather than a worsening outbreak. Enhanced monitoring systems and a centralised reporting platform have enabled faster detection and more accurate data collection.

As of April 2026, South Africa has recorded over 1,300 FMD cases, with the Free State and North West provinces reporting the highest numbers. The Northern Cape remains the least affected.

To support the rollout, the government has secured millions of vaccine doses from international suppliers, including Biogénesis Bagó and Dollvet. Additional shipments are expected to strengthen supply as the campaign expands.

The vaccination programme is being implemented using a risk-based approach, with priority given to high-density livestock areas and key agricultural sectors. The dairy industry has already seen strong coverage, particularly in the Free State and Western Cape, while KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have received significant allocations due to their large animal populations.

Government is also moving to formalise long-term disease control measures through the proposed Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease, which is expected to be finalised in April 2026.

Authorities continue to urge farmers to cooperate with vaccination teams and report suspected cases promptly, as sustained participation remains critical to fully containing the outbreak and protecting South Africa’s livestock industry.