South Africa Maintains Livestock Exports Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Steenhuisen said South Africa has entered a new phase in its fight against FMD, marked by the largest vaccine acquisition programme ever undertaken by the state.

South Africa is successfully preserving key livestock export markets despite the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced during a media briefing in Parliament. The government has intensified vaccination efforts, strengthened disease-control measures and expanded engagement with international trading partners to protect the livestock industry and sustain agricultural growth.

Steenhuisen said South Africa has entered a new phase in its fight against FMD, marked by the largest vaccine acquisition programme ever undertaken by the state. Since February, government has procured 13.5 million vaccine doses and vaccinated nearly 4.4 million animals across the country. An additional 3.5 million doses arrived last week, while approval has been granted to import a further 14 million doses for booster vaccinations. Government has already invested R494 million in vaccine procurement and deployment to safeguard livestock, food security and rural livelihoods.

Export Markets Remain Open Despite Outbreak

A major focus of the government's strategy has been on preventing disease-control measures from disrupting international trade. Through ongoing negotiations and science-based risk management measures, South Africa has retained access to several key markets. Jordan continues to receive South African livestock products, while the United Arab Emirates remains open under revised certification requirements. Hong Kong, Kuwait and other markets have also maintained trade links, with discussions underway to expand access to countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Tunisia and Lebanon.

Agriculture Sector Continues to Deliver Strong Growth

Despite challenges posed by disease outbreaks, extreme weather and logistical constraints, South Africa's agricultural sector continues to perform strongly. Agricultural exports increased by 7% over the past year, while the sector recorded a trade surplus of approximately US$7.3 billion in 2025, representing an 18% increase from the previous year. The citrus industry also achieved one of its strongest export performances on record, highlighting the resilience of the broader agricultural economy.

Regional Cooperation and Biosecurity Measures Expanded

Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in controlling FMD across Southern Africa. Following a recent SADC ministerial meeting in Zimbabwe, member states agreed to develop a Regional Coordination Framework aimed at improving vaccination programmes, disease surveillance, biosecurity corridors and cross-border cooperation. Domestically, South Africa is expanding laboratory capacity, recruiting veterinary professionals and strengthening coordination between provinces. A new public-private biosecurity framework is expected to launch in the coming weeks to improve disease preparedness and support a more proactive approach to animal health management.