South Africa rolls out first homegrown foot-and-mouth vaccine in 20 years
South Africa has taken a major step in protecting its livestock with the production of the first locally made foot-and-mouth disease vaccine
Image: File picture
South Africa has taken a major step in protecting its livestock with the production of the first locally made foot-and-mouth disease vaccine in 20 years.
IOL reported that the country has been battling FMD for several months, prompting key trading partners, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and China, to suspend imports of meat and related animal products from the country.
The outbreak has led political parties and farming groups to call on the government to declare a national state of disaster. Last month, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said he supported the move and would request Cabinet approval.
In a press briefing on Friday, the Agricultural Research Council, together with the minister, announced the release of the first batch of locally produced vaccine and outlined plans to scale up production to protect herds across the country. The Council has produced an initial 12,900 doses, with weekly production expected to increase to 20,000 doses by March.
Steenhuisen said the locally produced vaccine marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s fight against foot-and-mouth disease.
"This is the first time that we will be producing an FMD vaccine in almost 20 years. It's been a long journey to get here, but we have arrived now at the point where South Africa will have a vaccine," Steenhuisen said
"It will help us on the frontline in terms of beating foot-and-mouth disease".
He added that the country’s goal is to ensure that South Africa never again has to rely on other countries for its vaccine supply.
"Our goal is that we never again be beholden to external players, and that's why today is so important, because what today means is that we're able to manufacture at scale and at full production."Steenhuisen said.
"This vaccine will ensure South Africa's sovereignty in dealing with foot and mouth diseases"
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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