New FMD vaccination scheme gives farmers greater control

South Africa’s fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has entered a new phase with the formal rollout of a Section 10 Routine Vaccination Scheme, a policy intervention designed to empower farmers while strengthening national disease control efforts. The scheme, established under the Animal Diseases Act, was officially published in the Government Gazette on May 4 2026. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the developments represent a shift from a purely state-driven response to a more flexible, partnership-based approach that allows farmers to take proactive steps to protect their livestock.

He said while the government continued to roll out a fully funded national vaccination campaign, the new framework enabled commercial and communal farmers to vaccinate their herds immediately, rather than waiting for state-led programmes to reach their areas. He said this is particularly significant in the context of ongoing FMD outbreaks, which have placed severe strain on the livestock sector. The scheme will be implemented as a public–private partnership, bringing together farmers, private veterinarians, and state veterinary services.

This ensures that while farmers gain flexibility, the overall response remains coordinated and scientifically managed. “Strict compliance measures form a central pillar of the rollout. Farmers who opt into the scheme must ensure that all animals are fully traceable through permanent identification methods such as branding or tagging.

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In addition, participants are required to use digital systems to record vaccination details, including batch numbers and storage conditions, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. Regular audits and inspections by state authorities will further reinforce adherence to biosecurity standards,” reads the statement.

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