Concerns are intensifying over South Africa’s response to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with agricultural leaders questioning whether the current vaccination strategy is adequate to curb transmission and safeguard the livestock industry.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently reported that approximately 13.5 million vaccine doses have been procured since February, with around 4.4 million animals vaccinated to date. While the Minister expressed confidence that momentum is building in the national response, Francois Rossouw, CEO of the Southern African Agricultural Initiative, offered a sharply contrasting assessment.
“We are way far off of that target,” Rossouw stated, referencing international benchmarks. He explained that the first phase of the campaign aims to vaccinate 14 million cattle, meaning the current 4.4 million figure represents just 31% coverage. According to Rossouw, the World Organization for Animal Health—and nations that have successfully eradicated the disease—require 90% herd immunity to be achieved within six to eight weeks.
Rossouw further noted that roughly 8.7 million of the procured doses remain unused in cold storage. “We are trying to stop a wildfire,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of rapid, widespread administration. He pointed to instances in KwaZulu-Natal where dairy herds were reinfected after January vaccinations, which he attributed to delays and inconsistent rollout.
“Procurement numbers mean absolutely nothing,” Rossouw asserted. “The only number that matters is how many vaccines have gotten into cattle at the required pace.”
The discussion also turned to a recent High Court ruling affirming that farmers are legally permitted to procure and administer foot-and-mouth vaccines independently to support national efforts. Rossouw argued that, despite the judgment, practical barriers remain. He stated the court identified the Minister as the central impediment to private access, noting that the Minister twice postponed proceedings, declined to provide instructions to legal counsel during three days of mediation, and ultimately received three punitive cost orders for his conduct.
According to Rossouw, eight months of exclusive state control over vaccine acquisition has stifled private-sector participation. “No private investment has occurred. There’s no one that has set up private logistical chains in order for farmers to get access to vaccines,” he said, adding that state-purchased doses are “gathering dust” while distribution stalls.
When asked to speculate on the Minister’s rationale for maintaining tight control, Rossouw declined to offer a definitive explanation but remarked, “Usually, it’s only two things. It’s power and money.” He concluded by expressing hope that pragmatic decision-making would soon guide the response.
The Southern African Agricultural Initiative continues to advocate for a collaborative, accelerated vaccination strategy that empowers farmers and aligns with international disease-control protocols.