07/02/2026
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has taken a major step in South Africa’s fight against a widespread, costly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, releasing the first batch of a locally produced FMD vaccine.
The vaccine, developed and produced by scientists and technical experts at the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute of Transboundary Animal Diseases.
A total of 12 900 multi-strain doses have been released in this initial batch.
Dr Faith Peta, chief research technician in the Vaccine Production Programme for Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, said the release of the vaccine was the result of long-term investment in local science and infrastructure.
“This first batch represents many years of research and commitment. While production is still at a small scale, it shows that South Africa has the capability to develop safe and effective vaccines that meet regulatory standards and respond to local disease challenges,” she said.
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