Agriculture minister strengthens Foot-and-Mouth Disease council with two key appointments

The government has moved to bolster South Africa's fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) with the appointment of two experienced agricultural leaders to the Industry Coordination Council (ICC), as efforts intensify to contain the livestock disease.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced on Saturday that Dr Theo de Jager and Dr Danie Odendaal have joined the council during the Foot and Mouth Disease Symposium held at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.

The ICC, which comprises key industry stakeholders, was established to ensure the agricultural sector plays a coordinated role in implementing the National FMD Strategy. The council's responsibilities include supporting vaccine distribution, improving livestock traceability and strengthening disease control measures.

De Jager serves as Executive Director of the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), while Odendaal is the Director of the Veterinarian Network (V-Net).

Announcing the appointments, Aucamp said the pair would bring valuable expertise to the country's disease response.

"De Jager and Odendaal bring immense practical knowledge, leadership and technical insight that will strengthen an already hardworking and effective council.

"Their leadership will add immense value as we work hand-in-hand across the entire agricultural sector. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to both of them for their willingness to serve South Africa at such a critical juncture.

"We are committed to collaborating with every role player on the ground, and while we know there is a long road ahead, working together is how we will achieve our goal of an FMD-free country," the minister said.

As part of the strengthened response, Aucamp also announced plans to expand the ICC's terms of reference to place greater emphasis on the practical implementation of the national strategy, particularly following the decision to allow registered farmers to vaccinate their own livestock.

The minister further confirmed that vaccine suppliers will participate in the council on an ad hoc basis to improve coordination and ensure the uninterrupted supply of vaccines.

According to Aucamp, the expanded ICC will work alongside the Ministerial Task Team on FMD to drive the country's response to the disease.

South Africa has already imported 17 million doses of FMD vaccine to support the national vaccination campaign.

The minister urged livestock owners to register as authorised persons to legally administer vaccines to their own cattle, saying wider participation by farmers is essential to containing the disease.

Aucamp also met with the Argentinian Ambassador to South Africa and representatives of vaccine manufacturer Biogénesis Bagó, thanking them for their continued support.

During the meeting, the company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a reliable supply of vaccines to assist South Africa in curbing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.