The minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, confirmed today that a major shipment of 1.5 million Dollvet foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines has arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.
The vaccines were imported from Turkey through Dunevax, the authorised agent, and are part of a national effort to protect South Africa’s cattle herds. The department says this shipment is a key part of its strategy to work with the private sector to ensure a steady supply of high-potency vaccines.
The arrival was delayed due to tensions in the Middle East and restricted airspace over the Gulf States, Dunevax said. Despite this, the department acted quickly to move the doses into the national distribution network.
Expanding vaccinations across provinces
This latest shipment follows one million doses received on 21 February from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina. Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) immediately sent the Argentine doses to provincial veterinary teams. State and private vets have been working around the clock to vaccinate herds in high-risk areas.
Steenhuisen recently visited dairy farmers in the uMngeni Municipal Area to hear directly about the challenges facing the industry. He called for national unity and said achieving an FMD-free status requires full cooperation between farmers and the government.
“The arrival of the Dollvet vaccines today is another win in our fight against FMD,” said Minister Steenhuisen. “By working with partners like Dunevax, we are taking decisive action to protect our national herd. Every outbreak will be dealt with swiftly. We will continue until South Africa is FMD-free.”
The stakes for farmers
Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly through unvaccinated herds. The economic impact can be devastating, affecting livestock sales, dairy production, and international trade. Farmers in high-risk areas are under pressure to vaccinate quickly to prevent losses.
With millions more doses expected in the coming months, the department of agriculture says it is fully focused on suppressing viral circulation. Officials are monitoring outbreaks closely and deploying resources to the areas that need them most.
The department will provide regular updates as the new vaccines are rolled out to strengthen the ongoing national campaign. Farmers are encouraged to work with provincial veterinary offices to ensure their cattle are vaccinated as soon as possible.
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