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South Africa Fast-Tracks Foot-and-Mouth Response With Emergency Vaccine Approval as Provinces Launch Rollouts

Zambia has suspended livestock imports from South Africa, signaling growing trade repercussions from the outbreak.

Overview

  • The health regulator granted Section 21 authorisation to import Dollvet’s foot-and-mouth vaccine under conditions, with distribution to be coordinated by the national animal health directorate.
  • Western Cape began preventative vaccinations in Fisantekraal and placed Drakenstein under quarantine, with 200,000 doses expected in coming weeks as the province seeks permission to procure its own supply.
  • KwaZulu-Natal set a six‑month plan to vaccinate about 2.4 million cattle starting in early March, enlisting private veterinarians under departmental coordination.
  • Free State reported 344 confirmed cases and imposed quarantine with movement controls within 10 km of affected farms, while officials warned that failure to report suspected cases hampers vaccination planning.
  • Zambia halted and revoked livestock import permits from South Africa and extended restrictions to feeds, skins and hides, as last year’s beef exports from South Africa were reported down 26%.