What is the significance of South Africa's new foot-and-mouth disease vaccine?

This is the first locally produced foot-and-mouth disease vaccine released by South Africa in nearly 20 years, marking a shift towards a proactive, science-led campaign.

How many doses of the new FMD vaccine are initially available in South Africa?

An initial batch of 12,900 doses of the locally produced foot-and-mouth disease vaccine has been released.

What is the production goal for the new South African FMD vaccine?

Production of the new foot-and-mouth disease vaccine is expected to reach 20,000 doses per week by March.

Home / Science / South Africa Fights Foot-and-Mouth Disease With Local Vaccine

South Africa Fights Foot-and-Mouth Disease With Local Vaccine

7 Feb

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Summary

South Africa launches its first local foot-and-mouth vaccine in nearly 20 years.
An initial batch of 12,900 doses is ready, with production ramping up.
The vaccine aims to regain the nation's FMD-free status and reduce foreign reliance.

South Africa Fights Foot-and-Mouth Disease With Local Vaccine

South Africa has achieved a significant milestone with the release of its first domestically developed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in nearly 20 years. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) announced the initial availability of 12,900 doses.

Production is scheduled to increase to 20,000 doses weekly by March, supporting nationwide distribution plans. This initiative signifies a strategic move from reactive measures to a proactive, science-driven strategy. The goal is to restore South Africa's FMD-free status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen highlighted the vaccine's role in strengthening national defenses. This effort aims to reduce the country's long-term reliance on imported FMD vaccines, ensuring greater self-sufficiency in disease control.