North West Agriculture MEC Spearheads Massive FMD Vaccination Campaign in Potchefstroom
- Karen Scheepers
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
In a decisive move to protect the provincial livestock industry, MEC Madoda Sambatha of the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) led a high-profile Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive on Thursday, 05 March 2026. The campaign, centered in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, marks a critical escalation in the province's strategy to contain a persistent outbreak that has now reached 16 out of 18 municipalities.
With 158 confirmed cases reported across the province to date, the department is prioritizing high-risk zones, specifically focusing on farms and communal areas within a 5km radius of known infection sites. The rollout utilizes a portion of the 100,000 doses of the Biogenesis Bago vaccine recently allocated to the province. During a media briefing at the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, MEC Sambatha emphasized that the goal is to achieve 90% vaccination coverage in cattle, aligning with the national target set by the Department of Agriculture to safeguard food security and stabilize the agricultural economy.
Advancing Sustainable Farming: Soil Health and Regenerative Systems
Parallel to disease control efforts, the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture hosted a Sustainable Regenerative Agriculture Production Systems seminar at Witpoort Farm near Matlosana. The event served as a knowledge-sharing platform for farmers and stakeholders to explore innovative methods for restoring soil health.
Experts at the gathering highlighted that healthy soil is the cornerstone of resilient farming, particularly in the face of climate instability. The initiative focused on practical, cost-effective solutions for building organic matter and improving water retention, with provincial leaders noting that investing in soil today is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of farming communities.
From Abattoir to Table: Ensuring Meat Safety and Virus Inactivation
As the FMD outbreak persists, the department has issued a stern reminder regarding the processing of meat. While FMD does not pose a direct health threat to humans, the virus can survive in animal tissue and potentially spread to healthy livestock if not handled correctly.
Designated Abattoirs: Specialized facilities are mandated to follow strict virus inactivation protocols, including carcass maturation (allowing pH levels to drop naturally) and the removal of high-risk parts like lymph nodes and marrow.
Home Slaughter Risks: Authorities warned that animals slaughtered at home for personal consumption bypass these critical biosecurity checks. While the meat is safe for human consumption, any waste or untreated scraps could inadvertently spread the virus to other cloven-hoofed animals.
Biosecurity Compliance: The public is urged to utilize approved facilities and adhere to the "Do the right thing" initiative to protect the livelihoods of the broader agricultural sector.
Technical Insight: The Biogenesis Bago Vaccine Solution
The primary tool in this campaign is the Bioaftogen® vaccine, manufactured by the Argentine pharmaceutical giant Biogenesis Bago. This high-potency vaccine is specifically designed for emergency and suppressive vaccination in regions facing active outbreaks.
Feature | Technical Specification |
Type | Inactivated, oil-based adjuvant vaccine |
Potency | High-potency formulation (exceeding 6 $PD_{50}$ per dose) |
Technology | DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) |
Strains | Tailored to include SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 serotypes common in SA |
Efficacy | Provides rapid immunity to break the cycle of transmission |
The DIVA technology is particularly significant for South Africa's long-term trade goals. It allows laboratory tests to distinguish between animals that have been vaccinated and those that have been naturally infected, a prerequisite for regaining "FMD-Free with Vaccination" status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Community Engagement and Awareness in Welgevonden
The second day of the department's awareness campaign moved to Welgevonden, near Ventersdorp, where Veterinary Services and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) met with local livestock owners. Extension officers provided hands-on guidance on animal identification, including branding and ear tagging, which are essential for the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS).
Farmers were explicitly cautioned against the use of homemade remedies, which have no scientific standing in curing FMD and can often mask symptoms, leading to further spread. The department reiterated that early reporting is the most effective way to prevent a total lockdown of local movement. For assistance, farmers can reach the FMD Control Centre at the toll-free number 0860 246 640.
Final Note
As the North West Province navigates this dual challenge of managing a livestock crisis while pioneering sustainable farming practices, the collaboration between government agencies and local producers remains the linchpin of success. The integration of high-potency vaccination technology, such as the Biogenesis Bago Bioaftogen® solution, combined with a renewed focus on soil health at the grassroots level, signals a comprehensive approach to regional agricultural resilience.
By adhering to strict biosecurity protocols and participating in the ongoing vaccination rollout, stakeholders can help secure the province’s position as a vital contributor to national food security and international trade.
All image credits: North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)
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