Private sector cleared to import and distribute FMD vaccines

A legal settlement reported by The Citizen allows private companies and livestock owners to procure, import and administer foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, ending exclusive state control over vaccine distribution.

What changed

According to The Citizen, a landmark settlement agreement was reached between the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), Free State Agriculture, Sake Liga and the department of agriculture that alters how FMD vaccines are supplied in South Africa.

The Citizen reports that the state and Onderstepoort Biological Products will no longer hold a monopoly on the import and distribution of FMD vaccines. Private companies are now permitted to import and deliver vaccines directly to farmers, and livestock owners can be registered as authorised persons to administer vaccines themselves.

Regulation and access

The Citizen says the agreement will shorten the time required for Section 21 applications and import permits to create a faster route from the harbour to livestock. The report quotes Saai CEO Francois Rossouw saying the agreement “takes effect immediately and will be made an order of court.”

The Citizen also reports that vaccination under the new arrangement will be subject to biosecurity, traceability and reporting requirements. The government will continue to manage outbreaks and provide vaccines to farmers who cannot afford them, while producers can purchase vaccines through private channels.

Campaigns and future vaccinations

According to The Citizen, Rossouw said the plan was to carry out two intensive national vaccination campaigns two to three months apart during the remainder of this year, followed by routine vaccinations every six months until South Africa meets international criteria to regain FMD-free status.

Reactions

The Citizen reports that farmer groups and industry representatives welcomed the change. The publication quotes TLU chair Bennie van Zyl and AfriForum’s Lambert de Klerk expressing support for the move and noting increased responsibility for the private sector and farmers under the new arrangement.

Public health perspective

The Citizen also reported comments from FMD Response SA spokesperson Andrew Morphew on vaccination coverage, noting the World Organisation for Animal Health guidance that at least 80% of cattle must be immune at the same time to stop transmission. Morphew said most cattle need to be vaccinated within six to eight weeks, including booster doses for cattle vaccinated in February.

“The state and Onderstepoort Biological Products will no longer hold a monopoly on the import and distribution of FMD vaccines,” The Citizen reported, quoting Saai CEO Francois Rossouw.

According to The Citizen, the settlement aims to speed access to vaccines and reduce bureaucratic delays while maintaining government responsibility for outbreak management and support for farmers who cannot afford vaccines.