To curb the spread of animal disease, the government has launched a national poultry vaccination campaign while intensifying its response to ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen confirmed the rollout of avian influenza vaccines on high-risk poultry farms, saying the campaign forms part of a broader preparedness strategy.
“We have secured vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy,” Steenhuisen said during his media briefing on Thursday.
Poultry protection underway
The vaccination drive against avian influenza is already active across commercial farms, with veterinary experts from the University of Pretoria and the Agricultural Research Council supporting the initiative. The department has hired 50 newly contracted animal health technicians to strengthen the effort. Induction and refresher training will take place in the coming week.
The decision follows a string of avian flu cases that have strained the poultry sector, threatening food security and export potential. The campaign is designed not just to address current outbreaks but also to build a sustainable framework for future prevention.
FMD Control Plans Expand
The minister also revealed updates on the government’s fight against FMD, which has recently surfaced in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga. More than 900 000 vaccine doses have been ordered, with the first deliveries expected within days.
“These plans are not only about responding to outbreaks but also about building permanent infrastructure to manage future risks,” Steenhuisen noted.
This infrastructure includes a Biosecurity Council that will bring together scientists, veterinarians, police, border authorities, and industry experts. The council’s role will be to coordinate biosecurity efforts and strengthen early warning systems.
Long-Term Biosecurity Vision
The strategy also focuses on long-term resilience. The state-owned Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) facility is being upgraded to ensure domestic vaccine production, while rural veterinary services are being reinforced.
A farm-to-fork traceability system is in the early stages of implementation, and a new dip tank model, created in collaboration with traditional leaders, aims to enhance disease containment at the community level.
“Biosecurity is not just an agricultural issue. It is a national security issue, and we are treating it as such,” said Steenhuisen.
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