The Resurgence of FMD Outbreaks in South Africa

South Africa's livestock industry, a cornerstone of the national economy valued at over R80 billion annually, has been grappling with a severe foot-and-mouth disease outbreak since late 2025. By early 2026, the highly contagious viral infection had spread to all nine provinces, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases reported by March. Primarily affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, the disease causes painful blisters in the mouth and on the feet, leading to reduced milk production, weight loss, and lameness. This not only hampers animal welfare but also triggers strict movement controls and export bans, crippling trade.

The epicenter was KwaZulu-Natal, where initial outbreaks in feedlots and communal farming areas rapidly escalated due to illegal animal movements and inadequate biosecurity. Limpopo and Gauteng followed, with hotspots like Magagula Heights in the East Rand becoming focal points for intervention. Farmers reported devastating losses, particularly in dairy where over 210,000 cattle were impacted, resulting in cumulative damages exceeding R1 billion in the sector alone.

Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease: A Persistent Threat

Foot-and-mouth disease, caused by the Aphthovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family, exists in seven serotypes worldwide, but Southern Africa predominantly sees the Southern African Topotype (SAT) strains: SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3. These viruses mutate rapidly, necessitating vaccines matched to circulating variants for optimal efficacy. In South Africa, SAT2 has been the dominant strain in recent outbreaks, with SAT1 also detected in Gauteng feedlots.

The disease spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, milk, or even airborne particles over short distances. While mortality is low in adults (under 5%), it devastates calves and young stock, and survivors suffer long-term productivity drops of up to 30% in milk yield and 10-20% in weight gain. Unlike in humans, where it's benign, FMD poses no direct health risk but underscores the need for vigilant animal health management.

The Halt and Revival of Local Vaccine Production

South Africa's ability to produce FMD vaccines locally ceased in 2005 when the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility fell short of international Good Manufacturing Practice standards. For two decades, the country depended on imports, mainly from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, which supplied strain-matched doses until supply disruptions in late 2025 exacerbated the crisis.

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC), through its Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (OVR) unit, reignited efforts in 2010. Scientists adapted candidate SAT strains to cell cultures, conducted inactivation, purification, and rigorous safety trials, including in pregnant animals. The multi-strain vaccine was registered in May 2022 as a stock remedy, paving the way for scaled production.

Breakthrough: ARC's First Locally Produced Batches

On February 6, 2026, ARC-OVR CEO Dr. Sibongiseni Dhladhla handed over the inaugural batch of 12,900 doses of multi-strain vaccine to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. This marked the first operational deployment in 21 years, celebrated as a milestone for vaccine sovereignty. A second batch of 20,000 doses followed in early April, signaling ramping production.

The vaccine, formulated as a trivalent mix targeting SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, offers up to 12 months of protection per dose when administered correctly. ARC's team, including experts like Virginia Mahlangu and Kabelo Tlaka, ensured compliance with biosafety level 3+ requirements, using specialized biocontainment facilities.

Scaling Up Production Capacity

ARC plans to deliver 20,000 doses weekly from March 2026, escalating to 200,000 by 2027 via facility upgrades. Short-term: 10 million monovalent doses annually within 12 months. Long-term: A new R1.6 billion factory designed for 20 million doses yearly, covering the national herd's needs.

This revival addresses past import vulnerabilities, where delays cost millions. Complementing imports—1 million from Argentina's Biogénesis Bagó in February, more from Turkey—the local output ensures steady supply amid global shortages.

National Mass Vaccination Strategy

The government's response, declared a national state of disaster, targets 80% coverage of South Africa's 14 million cattle herd by December 2026, prioritizing high-risk districts. Over 2 million animals vaccinated by mid-2026, with provinces like Eastern Cape (3.5M cattle) receiving allocations.

Strategy pillars:

• Vaccination Drives: Subsidized, state-controlled via veterinary services.
• Surveillance: Lab network processing unprecedented samples for strain matching.
• Movement Controls: Permits and quarantines to curb spread.
• Biosecurity Education: Farmer training on hygiene, reporting suspicions promptly.

Minister Steenhuisen oversaw rollouts in outbreak hotspots, emphasizing collaboration with farmer groups like RPO and AFASA.

Economic Stakes and Livestock Sector Impacts

FMD threatens SA's R80 billion livestock value chain, with beef exports down 26% in 2025 due to bans (e.g., China). Projections: R3.2 billion beef losses, up to R11.3 billion agricultural output under high-burden scenarios through 2030. Dairy alone: R1 billion+ early losses from 210,000 affected cattle.

Smallholder farmers suffer most, facing culls, income drops, and food insecurity. Commercial operations halt sales, with movement bans amplifying distress. Restoring FMD-free (with vaccination) status via WOAH is key to resuming exports.

Challenges in Control and Biosecurity

Despite advances, hurdles persist: antigenic drift requires ongoing matching; cold chain logistics in rural areas falter; coverage gaps below 80% undermine herd immunity. Illegal cross-border movements near Kruger National Park fuel spread.

ARC stresses no unauthorized production—strict BSL-3+ rules prevent private involvement. Farmer non-compliance, like self-vaccination, risks inefficacy.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborations

Farmers hail local production for reliability but criticize initial response delays, with groups threatening lawsuits. Minister Steenhuisen: "This restores self-reliance." ARC's Dr. Faith Peta: Focus on biotech jobs, skills transfer.

Partnerships with importers, vets, and industry ensure holistic response. International alignment via WOAH supports status recovery.

Future Outlook: Towards FMD-Free Status

With sustained vaccination, surveillance, and infrastructure, SA aims for WOAH FMD-free with vaccination by 2027. New ARC facility will secure supply, fostering exports and resilience.

Long-term: Genomic surveillance, novel vaccines. Economic recovery projected as trade resumes, bolstering rural livelihoods.

Actionable Insights for Livestock Farmers

To protect herds:

• Report suspicions immediately to state vets—free vaccines via services.
• Implement biosecurity: footbaths, quarantine newcomers, hygiene protocols.
• Ensure 80%+ herd coverage annually; booster per vet advice.
• Monitor via RMIS app for outbreaks.
• Diversify: Insurance, alternative feeds during restrictions.

This ARC advance heralds stronger livestock protection, safeguarding SA's agricultural backbone.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash