By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, announced that more than 90% of South Africa’s national cattle herd has now been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth disease (FMD).
FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed (even-toed) livestock and wild animals.
The epidemic was declared a national disaster earlier this year. It has resulted in export bans and substantial losses for cattle farmers.
In October’s mid-term budget, National Treasury announced that R423.4 million would be reprioritised within the Department of Agriculture for 2026/27, alongside a rollover of R183 million from the previous financial year, to support the ongoing vaccination campaign.
Aucamp confirmed that over 22 million doses of the FMD vaccine have been purchased and distributed to the sector.
A countrywide vaccination drive is starting to take effect, but the disease now appears to be spreading to wildlife across several regions, the department told Parliament on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
However, Aucamp said reaching a 90% vaccination rate is an achievement in fighting against FMD.
“Reaching a 90% vaccination rate before the end of the December deadline is a great achievement for the agriculture sector in South Africa. It demonstrates the positive results achievable when government and the private sector join hands.”
“By utilising the state’s capacity and the energy, skill, and dedication of farmers and the private sector, we are rapidly controlling the spread of FMD and protecting South Africa’s livelihoods as well as the country’s export markets of red meat,” the minister added.
The minister added that the department is working closely with organised agriculture and every farmer to ensure the fight against FMD is won.
“The state veterinary services will continue their large-scale vaccination campaigns across South Africa, and farmers can continue to voluntarily register online to become an authorised person to vaccinate their own cattle.”
“Due to the nature of the disease, control efforts require continuous vigilance; therefore, the uninterrupted supply of vaccines is very important. Any farmer who wants to obtain vaccines can order them via the online system and get delivery within 24 hours.”