On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen described the arrival of South Africa’s first batch of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines as a landmark moment for the agricultural sector.
The one million high-potency doses were officially received at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday, marking what the Minister called a decisive step towards restoring access to international red meat markets.
Steenhuisen noted that agricultural exports had risen by 7% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year, highlighting the sector’s expanding contribution to economic growth and employment. He expressed confidence that the vaccination programme would enable South Africa to reposition its red meat industry globally, much like its successful fruit export market.
The vaccines were sourced from Argentine pharmaceutical firm Biogénesis Bagó and form part of efforts to curb recurring FMD outbreaks that have disrupted exports and strained farmers.
Authorities believe the new supply will allow the country to shift from reactive outbreak management to a proactive eradication strategy.
The shipment represents the first phase of the Department of Agriculture’s 10-Year Eradication Strategy aimed at securing “FMD-free status with vaccination” — a key requirement for regaining lucrative export markets. An additional five million doses are expected in March, as Government seeks to vaccinate at least 80% of the national herd of more than 14 million cattle by December.
Steenhuisen acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers in recent months and assured them that government intervention was gaining momentum.
He also credited collaboration between the state, private sector stakeholders and veterinary experts for advancing what he described as a milestone in strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of South Africa’s red meat industry.