Minister Willie Aucamp signs the landmark settlement agreement, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa's livestock industry by ending the government's monopoly on Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine imports and paving the way for private sector involvement.
The government has ended its monopoly over Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine imports, clearing the way for livestock farmers and private companies to procure and administer vaccines through a newly opened private system under a landmark settlement agreement.
The agreement, announced on Thursday following negotiations in Pretoria, resolves a legal dispute between the Department of Agriculture and agricultural organisations Sakeliga, the South African Agri Initiative (SAAI), and Free State Agriculture.
It is expected to speed up access to vaccines as South Africa continues to battle recurring outbreaks of the highly contagious animal disease.
Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp described the settlement as a turning point for the country's livestock industry, saying it marked a new era of cooperation between the government and the private sector.
