The Biogénesis Bago foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines that arrived from Argentina last month. An additional 6 million Dollvet vaccines for FMD have been approved for import.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the rapid approval of six million Dollvet vaccine doses to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The swift intervention by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to expedite the importation of these vaccines is crucial for protecting the country's livestock.
The move follows a Section 21 permit issued on Friday for an initial two million doses. SAHPRA has confirmed that two additional permits for the remaining four million doses will also be issued.
The announcement comes as agricultural and farming organisations have gone to court this week to challenge the government over the vaccination process. Livestock farmers, Sakeliga, the Suider-Afrika Agri Inisiatief (Saai) and Free State Agriculture (the applicants) are seeking an interdict against the government's obstruction of private-sector procurement and administration of FMD vaccines.
According to the department, the phased procurement in lots of two million is a logistical necessity due to the current conflict in the Middle East. This follows the arrival of 1.5 million Dollvet vaccines from Turkiye on March 1, 2026.
In addition to the Dollvet supply, Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that five million doses of Biogénesis Bago vaccines will soon be on order. Last month, one million doses of the Biogénesis Bago vaccine arrived in South Africa from Argentina.
The Minister highlighted the importance of a united front in protecting the country's livestock. “I want to recognise the vital role the private sector has played in navigating the complexities of vaccine acquisition and logistics," Steenhuisen said.
"To our farmers and all the role players walking beside the Department of Agriculture in this fight, thank you for your resilience and cooperation."
The department extended its gratitude to SAHPRA for its responsiveness, noting that understanding the urgency is vital to ensuring vaccines reach South Africa without delay. Steenhuisen added that these partnerships are essential to ensure long-term food security and protect the national herd.
The department stated that the delivery schedule for the remaining doses will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
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