Protecting Livestock and Trade as South Africa Restarts FMD Vaccine Production

Show Voice Options Government has announced a major breakthrough in animal health management, with South Africa resuming local production of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, a move hailed by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen as a critical step in strengthening national biosecurity. The development marks an important shift towards greater self-sufficiency in managing animal disease outbreaks that threaten livestock, food security and agricultural exports.The resumption of local vaccine production is expected to significantly improve the country's ability to respond swiftly to FMD outbreaks, reducing reliance on imports and shortening response times during high-risk periods. Steenhuisen said the breakthrough enhances protection for farmers, safeguards the livestock industry and reinforces confidence in South Africa's veterinary health systems, which are central to maintaining disease-free zones and export standards.From a business and economic perspective, the announcement carries strong implications for the agricultural value chain. Improved disease control supports market access for meat and livestock products, protects rural livelihoods and stabilises trade relationships. Government said restoring local vaccine capacity not only strengthens animal health, but also underpins investment confidence in one of South Africa's most important productive sectors.