Farmers welcome progress on private FMD vaccine rollout

Farmers are pleased with the progress made in bringing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines from private companies. Andrew Morphew, a spokesperson for FMD Response SA, noted that more vaccines will now reach farmers through additional veterinarians. The first private sector cleared to import and distribute FMD vaccines began delivering vaccines to private veterinary practices this week.

Morphew highlighted that this is a significant step forward, as getting more vaccines into the field is crucial. However, he emphasized the need for regular updates on where FMD is circulating and which strains are being detected, so veterinarians can effectively deal with the disease. The department of agriculture was urged to share this information consistently and in a way that is useful for those on the front lines in the fight against FMD.

Bennie van Zyl, the chair of the Farming Union of South Africa, thanked farmers for reaching a point where private vaccine distribution is possible within a controlled setting. He cautioned all parties to act responsibly, as there are three strains of FMD in South Africa, and the ones currently being distributed are from Argentina and Türkiye.

Van Zyl reminded that vaccines do not guarantee 100% immunity for vaccinated animals, and a follow-up dose is needed within six weeks and another after six months. Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp appointed new members to the Industry Coordination Council (ICC) to bolster the efforts against FMD. Dr Theo de Jager and Dr Danie Odendaal, with extensive practical knowledge and technical insight, will strengthen the council's leadership.

The expanded ICC, in collaboration with the ministerial task team on FMD, aims to expedite the rollout and practical implementation of the vaccination plan, especially for farmers who can now vaccinate their own animals. Aucamp stressed that achieving an FMD-free South Africa will require consistent collaboration among all stakeholders.