South Africa receives 1.5m Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine doses

A consignment of 1.5 million doses of Dollvet foot-and-mouth disease vaccine has arrived at OR Tambo International Airport as part of efforts to strengthen South Africa’s response to the ongoing outbreak. The shipment from Turkey was secured through collaboration with the private sector to ensure a steady supply of high potency vaccines, despite logistical delays linked to airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

This latest delivery follows the recent arrival of one million doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina, which were rapidly distributed to provinces by Onderstepoort Biological Products. Vaccination campaigns are already underway in identified high risk areas, supported by provincial veterinary teams and private practitioners.

Authorities say additional vaccine shipments are expected in the coming months as part of a broader strategy to curb viral circulation and restore disease free status. The government has reiterated its commitment to decisive action and continued collaboration with industry partners to contain outbreaks and protect the national herd.