South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has taken a significant step toward controlling the country’s ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak by securing a steady supply of vaccines from Argentina. The move forms part of a broader strategy to stabilise the livestock sector and protect the agricultural economy from further disruption.
During his visit to Argentina, Steenhuisen finalised a cooperation agreement with Biogénesis Bagó, a leading vaccine manufacturer that has already supplied South Africa with millions of FMD doses earlier this year. The agreement guarantees continued access to vaccines at a time when global demand is rising due to outbreaks in several regions, including parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The minister also engaged with Argentina’s biosecurity authority, SENASA, to study the country’s successful approach to controlling FMD. Argentina’s strategy combines mass vaccination with strict surveillance systems, including continuous testing and monitoring of livestock to detect new strains of the virus. This model has helped the country move closer to achieving FMD-free status, something South Africa is now aiming to replicate.
Steenhuisen emphasised that securing vaccine supply is only one part of the solution. Effective disease control will also depend on strengthening surveillance systems and enforcing movement controls to prevent the spread of infection. South African authorities are particularly interested in Argentina’s ability to distinguish between vaccinated animals and those that may carry new infections, a critical component in managing outbreaks.
The visit to Argentina will be followed by a trip to Brazil, where Steenhuisen is expected to pursue agricultural import agreements. Both Argentina and Brazil have historically adopted a regional approach to tackling FMD, making them valuable partners for South Africa’s long-term agricultural strategy.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by recent outbreaks in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, which increase the risk of cross-border transmission. Within South Africa, the outbreak has already placed pressure on farmers, disrupted trade, and raised concerns about food security.
As part of its long-term response, the Department of Agriculture plans to vaccinate approximately 14 million cattle over the next decade. This initiative forms part of a 10-year eradication strategy aimed at restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status, which is essential for maintaining international trade in livestock and related products.
Steenhuisen’s diplomatic and technical engagements signal a proactive approach to managing the crisis. By combining international cooperation, scientific expertise, and large-scale vaccination, the government hopes to contain the disease and rebuild confidence in the country’s agricultural sector.
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