First batch of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines released since 2005

A worker wears protective gear while working with cattle amid a foot and mouth disease outbreak.

The Agricultural Research Council has released its first batch of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines since 2005. This comes after South Africa produced its first locally manufactured foot-and-mouth vaccine in 20 years.

Academic expert on foot-and-mouth disease from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Ntuthuko Mkhize, says the vaccine launch by government is long overdue, as this will bring relief not only to commercial but also subsistence livestock farmers.

However, Dr Mkhize says there needs to be a collaborative effort in dealing with the disease from all stakeholders.

“All efforts made by livestock farmers to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease should not be taken lightly because they are trying their best to deal with the situation. The farmers livestock means a lot to them, it is their livelihood and it also means food security comes from the very livestock that in turn enables them to take care of their families and take their children to school, so I urge farmers to work closely with the department so they can get help and accurate advise, instead of using things that could end up endangering the livestock and to human beings”

🇿🇦 Built by South African Science | 🔬💉 Science at Work for South Africa🙌

Developed and produced by @ARCSouthAfrica scientists and technical experts, this Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine is the result of local expertise and infrastructure.

After 20 years of research and… pic.twitter.com/dk6sS3xQoU

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) February 6, 2026