A Shot of Hope, A Dose of Doubt: Farmers’ Mixed Feelings on SA’s New FMD Vaccine

A small vial held aloft at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Onderstepoort last week symbolised both a significant breakthrough and a looming test of trust. It contained the first batch of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine produced locally in over two decades. For farmers who have endured years of crippling outbreaks, trade bans, and devastating losses, the announcement by Minister John Steenhuisen was met not with uniform celebration, but with a complex mix of relief, skepticism, and weary hope.

The handover of 12,900 pilot doses marks the end of a long drought. South Africa ceased its own vaccine production in 2005 due to outdated technology, leaving the country dependent on expensive and sometimes unreliable imports. The ARC’s new production, using modern bioreactor technology tailored to local SAT virus strains (SAT 1, 2, and 3), is a hard-won scientific achievement. Minister Steenhuisen framed it as “stepping into a new era,” with plans to scale up to 20,000 doses weekly by March 2026 and 200,000 weekly by 2027.

Why the Celebration Is Cautious

Yet, on farms and in agricultural unions, the mood is measured. This caution stems from a history of frustration and the sheer scale of the challenge.

First is the question of volume. The initial 12,900-dose batch, divided among six provinces, is a drop in the ocean for a national herd of millions. While it’s a vital “proof of concept,” farmers question how long it will take for production to meet overwhelming demand, especially in vast communal grazing areas. The promised 2027 capacity will be the real benchmark.

Second is the ghost of past implementation. Farmers’ trust has been eroded by years of what many perceive as state mismanagement of the FMD crisisfrom slow responses to contested control policies. The vaccine is only as good as the rollout strategy. Will there be a coherent, well-funded, and transparent national vaccination program? Or will logistical hurdles and bureaucratic delays stall progress?

Third is the commercial reality. For export-oriented farmers, the mere presence of the vaccine isn’t enough. International trade partners require rigorous guarantees. The new vaccine must be part of a globally recognized and credible biosecurity system to reopen lucrative markets like China and the Middle East, which have been closed due to FMD outbreaks.

A Foundation to Build Upon

Despite the doubts, there is a fundamental recognition that this is a non-negotiable step forward. Controlling FMD without a reliable, locally relevant vaccine was impossible. The development represents a reclaiming of sovereignty over animal health and is a prerequisite for any long-term stability in the sector.

The true victory won’t be in the announcement, but in the next, less glamorous phases: consistent, high-quality production, a fair and efficient distribution system, and a clear roadmap that aligns farmers, the state, and international regulators. For now, farmers are watching closely. They have been given a reason to hope, but after years of hardship, they are waiting for the plan to become a tangible, working reality in their pastures. The vial at Onderstepoort is full of potential; the task ahead is to ensure it delivers not just doses, but durable security.

{Source: Citizen}

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