Pretoria:Dr. Faith Peta has played a pivotal role in the development of South Africa's locally produced Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, marking a significant milestone for the country's agricultural sector. As a Chief Research Technician with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Peta leads technical activities in the FMD Vaccine Production Programme, which focuses on manufacturing vaccines to combat domestic outbreaks and enhance livestock health.
According to South African Government News Agency, the ARC resumed local vaccine production after a hiatus since 2005, attributed to outdated technology and infrastructure. The first batch of 12,900 doses was distributed across South Africa's nine provinces in February 2026, with plans to scale production significantly.
Peta is instrumental in expanding the production capabilities at the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) facility. The installation of larger equipment is underway, aiming to increase capacity to eventually produce 200,000 doses weekly by 2027. Her leadership extends to designing a new vaccine manufacturing plant and developing technical specifications for the necessary equipment.
The recent approval of Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp's proposal allows private companies to use the ARC's intellectual property to manufacture the vaccine on a larger scale. This decision aims to overcome current production constraints and increase the vaccine's availability amidst ongoing FMD outbreaks.
Progress in combating FMD is evident, with no new cases reported in the North West province for the first time since December 2025. However, Peta warns that the disease will require long-term management, with a national strategy focused on comprehensive herd vaccination over the next decade.
Her journey into vaccine production began with a shift from chemistry to veterinary technology, driven by a desire to prevent rather than diagnose animal diseases. Peta holds a PhD in Medical Virology and has been with the ARC since 2001, contributing significantly to vaccine research and development.
Addressing challenges faced by women in science, Peta advocates for self-belief and the importance of embracing one's role without diminishing oneself. She encourages striving for excellence in public service, highlighting the dedication of professionals working in government roles.
Dr. Peta's dedication to leaving the world better than she found it continues to drive her efforts in vaccine development, underscoring her commitment to improving public health and livestock sustainability.
