South Africa explores vaccine partnerships as foot-and-mouth disease pressure mounts

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s livestock sector is facing mounting strain from recurring foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, prompting authorities to push forward with measures that include vaccine procurement, tighter animal movement controls, faster livestock identification, expanded diagnostics and wider public awareness among producers and traders.

These efforts are increasingly being paired with engagement from private and international actors, as the highly contagious disease is viewed not only as a domestic production risk but also as a factor that could weaken export access, household incomes and food availability across the region.

One of the companies engaging with South Africa is Argentina-based Biogénesis Bagó, a specialist in foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, which carried out an exploratory visit to the country in November to assess regulatory requirements, logistical capacity and potential areas of collaboration.

According to the company’s Executive Director of Innovation, Dr Rodolfo Bellinzoni, the visit was driven by a sharp rise in global outbreaks during the past year and by the firm’s practice of approaching countries experiencing animal health emergencies to discuss possible technical support.

He said the South African discussions focused on understanding the scale of the current outbreak, evaluating vaccine availability options and opening communication channels with local institutions responsible for disease control.

Disease characteristics and economic exposure

Foot-and-mouth disease remains difficult to contain due to its ability to spread through direct contact, airborne transmission and contaminated equipment, while its survival in cold and humid conditions allows it to move beyond immediate outbreak zones.

Bellinzoni said livestock-dependent economies often face additional challenges from limited surveillance coverage, resource constraints and delayed reporting caused by fear of economic losses among producers.

Once outbreaks occur, production losses follow quickly as infected animals develop fever and lesions that reduce milk output, weight gain and fertility, while control measures such as quarantines, culling and transport bans impose further costs.

He added that even after outbreaks are controlled, countries often experience prolonged trade restrictions and reduced productivity among surviving animals, extending recovery timelines for both producers and governments.

Lessons from previous outbreaks

Drawing on responses in countries including Argentina, Vietnam, Indonesia and South Korea, Bellinzoni said early coordination between authorities, industry and farmers is central to limiting spread and financial damage.

He noted that vaccination campaigns are most effective when vaccines match circulating virus strains and are supported by functioning cold chains, trained vaccinators and consistent communication with farming communities.

On vaccine supply, he said Biogénesis Bagó operates antigen reserves that allow long-term storage of viral components and rapid formulation once specific serotypes are identified, a system previously used during outbreaks in parts of Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

As South Africa continues to manage its outbreak, discussions with global suppliers reflect a broader shift toward combining state-led controls with external technical input to reduce long-term risks to the livestock economy.

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