Department of Agriculture Launches Online System to Authorise Self-Vaccination for FMD
South Africa's Department of Agriculture has launched an online portal allowing livestock owners to apply for authorization to self-vaccinate their herds against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This initiative aims to improve disease management by decentralizing control and allowing private sector participation.
Why it matters
This policy shift is a significant development for the agricultural economy, potentially reducing the burden on state resources while improving biosecurity compliance.
In a major shift for South Africa’s livestock sector, Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp has officially launched the self-vaccination application portal for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Following a recent settlement that expanded private sector participation in disease management, the new digital platform hands crucial control back to livestock owners by allowing them to apply for official authorization to vaccinate their own herds.
The live system enables voluntary vaccination while ensuring full compliance with national biosecurity standards, legal requirements, traceability, and mandatory reporting protocols.
How the Three-Step Vaccination System Works
To conduct voluntary vaccinations, cattle owners and livestock managers must register on the government’s official platform and complete a structured three-step process:
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