Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains active across multiple provinces. The national vaccination rollout is now under way as part of efforts to contain spread and stabilise the national herd.
Joint Working Group on FMD brings new momentum to the national response
The rollout of FMD vaccination across the country is under way and, as it progresses, operational challenges are being reported. Despite these challenges and the frustration on the ground, everyone involved in the response agrees that failure is not an option.
This week, this shared commitment translated into action when the Department of Agriculture, the MTT and the FMD ICC formally came together as the Joint Working Group on FMD, establishing a central structure to support the national response.
Each member of the Joint Working Group plays a distinct but complementary role. By working together on planning, implementation and oversight of the national response, the focus is to improve coordination, delivery and efficiency on the ground.
The various industry bodies represented on the FMD ICC will actively support coordination through industry mobilisation, with further details to follow after the first formal meeting of the Joint Working Group.
Early findings from FMD study could reduce financial losses
A research study examining FMD virus persistence at slaughter is showing promising early results.
Under current regulations, certain parts of the carcass must be destroyed, which results in financial losses across the value chain.
If the research is accepted following formal peer review, it could lead to changes in how this is managed and significantly reduce unnecessary losses.
Based on the early findings, the Department has already reduced the waiting period requirement to three months, pending completion of the peer review process.
You can read more about the study on the RMIS website.
Important notices and updates
Traceability — tagging of vaccinated animals
There is ongoing confusion regarding tagging requirements for vaccination. To clarify, you do not need to purchase RFID tags. Each animal must simply have a unique identification number that is clearly displayed and traceable.
Application and indemnity forms
The FMD ICC is currently reviewing the legal basis of the indemnity form referred to in the 20 February 2026 update, and will provide feedback as soon as possible.
KZN DMA
Documents for the lifting of the DMA are currently with the Minister for finalisation.
The FMD Management Plan (Contingency Plan) is currently under review by the MTT.
National rollout plan
Due to the decentralised structure of government in South Africa, the FMD ICC will engage directly with provincial leadership and their veterinary departments through the recognised industry and organised agriculture offices in each province.
Section 9 — movement permits
Awaiting feedback on the input submitted.
Section 10 — formal approval process enabling specific FMD control actions under the law
The Minister will do the final review of Section 10 on Thursday, 5 March, following a meeting between representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the MTT and the FMD ICC, where input from all three will be considered.
Section 21 / SAHPRA
RMIS has made legal counsel available to SAHPRA to prepare a memorandum on the supply and administration of FMD vaccines. This will form the basis of standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that applications can be processed efficiently in future.