By Akani Nkuna
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen on Saturday oversaw the arrival of 1 million high-potency vaccines to fight Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), saying the shipment would reinforce biosecurity and support intensified measures to safeguard livestock, farmers and rural livelihoods.
The vaccines, sourced from Argentine manufacturer Biogénesis Bagó, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as part of a supply plan announced earlier this week.
An additional 5 million doses are expected to follow in March.
“This is the beginning of the flow of vaccines from Argentina, from other countries into South Africa, to be able to fight Foot-and-Mouth Disease, to be able to turn South Africa ultimately into an FMD-free country,” he said.
“We can regain our status with the World Organisation for Animal Health as a FMD-free country. Our friends in Argentina showed us the way to go, and it is the exact journey that they
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
