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Agri SA backs new long-term national FMD strategy

15th January 2026

By: Marleny Arnoldi

Senior Deputy Editor Online

     

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Industry body Agri SA has welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s announcement of a stronger, long-term national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) strategy and the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to contain the outbreaks of FMD in the country.

“The updated strategy reflects a more coordinated, risk-based and science-led approach to vaccination, surveillance, movement control and zoning, which is essential to containing the disease and restoring confidence in the livestock industry,” says Agri SA president Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt.

He also lauds the ongoing industry-led interventions being driven by commodity organisations across the livestock value chain, saying these efforts are instrumental in limiting further spread and sustaining market access under extremely difficult conditions.

The organisation encourages even deeper collaboration between commodity bodies, provincial structures, veterinarians, producer organisations and grassroots farmer networks to ensure consistent implementation, shared intelligence and rapid response at farm level.

Agri SA is confident in South Africa’s long-term ability to regain its FMD-free status, especially as the agriculture sector has repeatedly demonstrated resilience through droughts, disease outbreaks, and infrastructure constraints.

“With sustained cooperation between government and industry, adequate resourcing of the national strategy and strong participation by farmers on the ground, South Africa can progressively stabilise outbreaks, protect disease-free zones and work toward the recovery of internationally recognised FMD-free status,” De Chavonnes Vrugt states.

Agri SA remains committed to constructive engagement with government and all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the national FMD response in the interest of farmers, rural livelihoods and the broader economy.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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