Pretoria: Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has described the settlement reached with agricultural organisations over the management of the country's Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak as a significant breakthrough for South Africa's livestock industry. The agreement follows lengthy negotiations held in Pretoria on Thursday, 9 July 2026, between the Department of Agriculture and the applicants in the case, including Sakeliga, the South African Agri Initiative (SAAI), and Free State Agriculture, along with other respondents.
According to South African Government News Agency, the settlement marks an important step towards restoring stability in the country's agricultural sector. Aucamp emphasized that the agreement is a win for all South African farmers, highlighting the sector's contribution to the nation's job creation efforts and GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
A key outcome of the settlement is the provision allowing owners and managers of cloven-hoofed livestock to voluntarily vaccinate their animals against Foot and Mouth Disease. This will be done in accordance with specific biosecurity, legal prescripts, and conditions, including traceability and reporting. Aucamp stated that the settlement showcases the government's willingness to collaborate with the private sector to control the outbreak.
The Minister further elaborated on the need for the private sector's involvement, mentioning that the government and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) have relinquished their sole rights to import and/or distribute FMD vaccines. This move is intended to enable the private sector to import vaccines at scale, thus enhancing the control measures against the FMD outbreak.
Applicant organisations also expressed their approval of the settlement and pledged to continue working alongside the department to combat the FMD crisis. Aucamp extended his gratitude to all parties involved for their constructive and solutions-driven approach during negotiations. He concluded by stressing the importance of efficiently rolling out the agreed-upon measures.
