Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has welcomed the agreement reached between the Department of Agriculture and key agricultural organisations. Image: Supplied.
Foot and Mouth Disease
1Min
South Africa
Agriculture Minister hails Foot and Mouth Disease settlement as major boost for livestock sector
An agreement between government and agricultural organisations will allow livestock owners to voluntarily vaccinate cloven-hoofed animals, paving the way for stronger collaboration to curb the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has welcomed the agreement reached between the Department of Agriculture and key agricultural organisations over the management of South Africa's Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, describing it as a major milestone for the country's livestock industry.
The settlement follows negotiations held in Pretoria on Thursday, 9 July 2026, involving the Department of Agriculture, Sakeliga, the South African Agri Initiative (SAAI), Free State Agriculture and other parties to the matter.
Aucamp said the agreement represents an important step towards restoring confidence and stability in the agricultural sector.
He said the settlement extends beyond the parties involved in the legal process, adding that it will benefit farmers across the country as agriculture remains a key contributor to employment and economic growth.
One of the key provisions of the agreement allows owners and managers of cloven-hoofed livestock to voluntarily vaccinate their animals against Foot and Mouth Disease, provided they comply with prescribed biosecurity measures, legal requirements, traceability and reporting obligations.
Aucamp said that the agreement also signals a stronger partnership between government and the private sector in responding to the outbreak.
He said government cannot combat the disease on its own and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders.
As part of the settlement, the Department of Agriculture and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) have agreed to relinquish their exclusive rights to import and distribute FMD vaccines, opening the way for private sector participation on a larger scale.
The applicant organisations welcomed the outcome and pledged to continue working with government to contain the spread of the disease.
Aucamp also thanked all parties for engaging in constructive negotiations focused on finding practical solutions, saying attention will now turn to implementing the agreed measures as quickly and effectively as possible.
