High Court ruling opens door for private FMD vaccinations in South Africa

FMD Response SA said that it welcomed a judgment by the Pretoria High Court on Monday allowing farmers to procure and self-administer vaccines against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following an application brought by Sakeliga, the South African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and Free State Agriculture.

Lobby group FMD Response SA has welcomed a Pretoria High Court judgment allowing farmers to procure and self-administer vaccines against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), saying the ruling could significantly accelerate efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

The judgment, handed down on Monday, followed an application brought by Sakeliga, South African Agri Initiative and Free State Agriculture.

FMD Response SA said the ruling was a critical intervention as the government aims to vaccinate 80% of cattle by the end of December, despite the vaccination programme only beginning in February.

The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease has placed increasing pressure on South Africa’s livestock industry, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where movement restrictions and outbreaks have disrupted beef and dairy farming operations.