One million high-potency Foot and Mouth (FMD) vaccines arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, on Saturday.
They were sourced from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina.
John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, was there to receive the goods.
He said “this shipment marks a major turning point in protecting South Africa’s livestock, farmers and food security.”
He also said Government is moving step by step from crisis management to control.
About 200 000 doses each are heading to KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, the Eastern Cape (150 000), Mpumalanga (100 000), the North West (100 000), Limpopo (100 000), Gauteng (70 000), Northern Cape (50 000) and the Western Cape (30 000).
Steenhuizen said more are expected to arrive from Botswana and Turkey, to make up to 5 million, by the end of March.
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will produce 20,000 per week and increase this amount to 200,000 in 2027.
Steenhuizen is scheduled to visit Mooi River this coming week, to vaccinate dairy cattle, with farmers and vets.
Important number: FMD Control Centre Toll-Free Number: 0860 246 640
Picture: Supplied