With South Africa’s livestock industry under threat from the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, the
Free State has stepped onto the front line of the national fight to contain the devastating animal
virus. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, visited Be Human Farm near Glen outside
Bloemfontein this week to oversee the next phase of a large-scale vaccination campaign,
describing the province as one of the country’s most prepared regions in tackling the outbreak.
Steenhuisen was joined by Free State MEC for Agriculture, Elzabe Rockman, HOD Tshepo Mabilo
and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Hon. Zama Sigwebela as government intensified
efforts to protect the national herd.
The visit follows the arrival of one million high-potency vaccine doses imported from Argentine
biotechnology company Biogénesis Bagó, marking the largest single consignment of Foot and
Mouth Disease vaccines ever brought into South Africa.
During the visit, Steenhuisen praised Rockman and her department for the way the Free State has
handled the outbreak so far, commending the province for its proactive approach.
The minister noted the exceptional work being done by the MEC and her team, stating that the
Free State is slightly ahead of several other provinces when it comes to planning and implementing
countermeasures to combat the disease.
He emphasised that strong provincial coordination and early planning were critical in managing
outbreaks of this nature and protecting the country’s livestock sector.
Government says the vaccines form part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting South Africa’s
livestock industry and stabilising the agricultural economy.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such
as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. While it poses little risk to humans, it can devastate livestock
production and severely affect farmers’ livelihoods.
The virus spreads rapidly through animal movement, contaminated equipment and even clothing,
making strict biosecurity measures essential in containing outbreaks.
Officials say the vaccination programme will be rolled out in phases, starting with areas considered
to be at highest risk before expanding to other regions.
Rockman also confirmed that the provincial department has increased the number of veterinarians
deployed on the ground to ensure that livestock vaccinations can be carried out as quickly and
efficiently as possible.
The additional veterinary capacity is aimed at ensuring that animals are vaccinated timeously,
particularly in high-risk areas where early intervention is critical to preventing further spread.
The event drew several key stakeholders from the agricultural sector in the Free State, including
representatives from African Farmers Association of South Africa ( AFASA), who joined
government officials and farmers in observing the vaccination rollout.
Their presence highlighted the importance of cooperation between government, organised
agriculture and farming communities in tackling the outbreak.
The vaccination drive forms part of a broader 10-year strategic plan to vaccinate South Africa’s
national herd and strengthen the country’s disease control systems.
Millions more vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country in the coming months as
authorities scale up efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Strict biosecurity protocols were in place during the minister’s visit, with media and visitors required
to follow hygiene and footwear guidelines before entering the farm.
For many farmers and agricultural stakeholders in the province, the campaign represents a critical
step toward safeguarding the livestock industry and protecting rural livelihoods across the Free
State.

By Lebohang Maloka