South Africa launches national foot-and-mouth disease vaccine plant to boost biosecurity

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including pigs, cattle, and sheep. In recent years, South Africa has experienced several outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, negatively impacting the livestock industry, which accounts for 41% of the country's agricultural gross domestic product and employs over 500,000 people. Since the beginning of May 2025, 39 new cases have been recorded, underscoring the urgency of establishing domestic vaccine production.

The government has already invested over $4.1 million in importing nearly 900,000 doses of the vaccine. However, reliance on external manufacturers has created delays and high prices. The new plant will allow for a rapid response to disease outbreaks. ARC has begun preparatory work, including purchasing the necessary equipment and registering a vaccine adapted to the foot-and-mouth disease strains circulating in South Africa and neighboring countries.

ARC DIRECTOR Lita Majinxa emphasized the importance of establishing this facility to quickly respond to outbreaks in affected regions. The foot-and-mouth disease situation has already led to the isolation of Karan Beef, the largest feedlot complex, following the discovery of the disease. This could disrupt supply chains and negatively impact the country's economy, including trade relations with countries such as CHINA and Namibia, which have temporarily suspended imports of South African beef.

The establishment of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine production facility is not only a response to current challenges, but also a strategic step to strengthen the infrastructure to manage future risks, thereby enhancing biosecurity and food stability in South Africa.