John Steenhuisen, the Minister of Agriculture visited the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, on Friday.
The visit is to witness the finalization of the first batch (12 900) of multi-strain Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), produced locally.
The visit follows the completion and registration of the vaccine by ARC scientists and technical experts, developed using local infrastructure and expertise.
The vaccine is registered as a stock remedy under Act 36 of 1947 and complies with the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards.
Cases of FMD have climbed faster than in previous years, with some 24,400 recorded in 2025. The outbreak, is a SAT2 virus, which has affected beef and dairy industries.
Steenhuizen announced a 10-year strategy to tackle FMD, in January this year, with mass vaccinations planned in the next 7 years, until there are no more cases reported.
FMD vaccines have ever since come exclusively from the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), the sole manufacturer of FMD vaccines in Southern Africa.
SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 strains, are affecting cloven-hoofed species such as Oribi, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Bushpig, Warthog, and Impala in KwaZulu Natal.
Ant Stratford, Chairman of Lion’s River Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, said strains SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 affecting local wildlife are being closely monitored.
Picture: ARC