The South African government has announced that over 90% of the country's national cattle herd has been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), exceeding the target of 80% ahead of the December 2026 deadline. This achievement was revealed by Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp during his keynote address at the Agricultural Writers SA National Awards in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, on November 13, 2026.
A total of more than 22 million vaccine doses have been purchased and distributed to the agricultural sector. The private sector accounts for approximately four million vaccinated cattle, while the state has vaccinated just under 11 million. The successful vaccination campaign is attributed to collaboration between government, farmers, and private-sector stakeholders.
All provinces have moved into the next phase of the campaign, which involves administering booster doses to sustain immunity and strengthen protection against FMD. The booster vaccinations are underway across all provinces, with the department continuing its large-scale vaccination campaign through state veterinary services.
Minister Aucamp credited the progress to the combined efforts of government and the agricultural sector, stating that the achievement demonstrates the positive results achievable through collaboration. He emphasized that the efforts are helping to control the spread of FMD while protecting livelihoods and South Africa's red meat export markets.
The department has reported a significant decline in new outbreaks, with Aucamp assuring farmers that the department will continue working with organised agriculture and individual livestock owners to contain the disease. Farmers can register online to become authorised vaccinators and procure vaccines, with orders placed through the online system delivered within 24 hours.
Despite the progress, Aucamp urged livestock owners to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, particularly during the rollout of booster vaccinations. The department thanked veterinarians, animal health technicians, farmers, and industry partners for their continued contribution, stressing that an uninterrupted vaccine supply and sustained cooperation remain essential to controlling FMD.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the agricultural sector in South Africa, with the government and private sector working together to protect the country's livelihoods and export markets. The vaccination campaign is a critical step in controlling the spread of FMD and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Key points
- Over 90% of South Africa's national cattle herd has been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, exceeding the government's target.
