South Africa has received two million doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine from Turkey, marking a major escalation in efforts to contain a severe outbreak.
The agriculture department confirmed the shipment was supplied by Turkey’s Dollvet and will be distributed across provinces based on livestock density and infection risk.
Authorities said a further four million doses have already been ordered from the same Turkish manufacturer.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that strikes cattle, leaving painful blisters on mouths and hooves.
While rarely fatal in adult animals, the disease severely reduces livestock productivity and disrupts agricultural output.
The government is also facing mounting criticism from livestock farmers over its response to the outbreak.
Some farmers say they are suffering heavy financial losses and are considering legal action against the state.
In a parallel effort, South Africa has ordered five million additional vaccine doses from Argentina.
Those doses will arrive in two shipments once regulatory approval is granted by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Officials say the broader vaccination drive aims to protect up to 80% of the country’s cattle herd.
South Africa’s cattle population is estimated at around 14 million animals, underscoring the scale of the operation.
The agriculture department also confirmed that part of the vaccine supply will be allocated to the pork industry.
Pigs are also vulnerable to foot-and-mouth disease, adding urgency to the nationwide containment strategy.
South Africa resumed foot-and-mouth vaccinations in February after a 20-year gap, citing severe shortages of available doses.
The renewed campaign reflects a race against time as the outbreak threatens the country’s vital livestock sector.