Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed the proposal by National Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, unanimously endorsed by the Board of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), to allow qualifying private sector companies access to the ARC’s intellectual property relating to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines and to participate in the large-scale manufacture of South Africa’s FMD vaccine.
Minister Meyer said the decision represents a significant breakthrough in strengthening South Africa’s capacity to respond to FMD outbreaks and building a more resilient animal health system.
“I welcome Minister Aucamp’s proposal, which has received the unanimous support of the ARC Board, to expand the production of South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine through partnerships with qualifying private manufacturers. This is a bold and practical intervention that will strengthen our ability to combat FMD and protect the country’s livestock industry.”
The Minister said the proposal recognises that the fight against FMD requires a whole-of-sector approach and that South Africa must rapidly expand its vaccine production capacity to meet current and future needs.
“By enabling qualifying private companies to utilise the ARC’s intellectual property and participate in large-scale vaccine manufacturing, South Africa will be better positioned to ensure a reliable supply of vaccines, respond more rapidly to outbreaks, and strengthen national biosecurity.”
Minister Meyer noted that Foot-and-Mouth Disease poses a serious threat to livestock production, food security, export markets, and jobs across the agricultural value chain.
“The livestock sector is a critical driver of economic growth and rural development. Strengthening domestic vaccine production capacity will help safeguard farmers, protect agricultural jobs, enhance food security, and support the long-term competitiveness of South African agriculture.”
He added that the proposal demonstrates the value of collaboration between government, science, and the private sector.
“The ARC has developed world-class expertise in animal health research. Allowing private sector participation in vaccine production will help translate that scientific excellence into practical outcomes at scale. This is an example of how innovation and partnership can be leveraged to address a national challenge.”
Minister Meyer said the Western Cape Government supports measures that strengthen disease surveillance, improve vaccine availability, and enhance South Africa’s overall biosecurity framework.
“We commend Minister Aucamp and the ARC Board for this forward-looking initiative. Expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity is an important step towards building a more resilient livestock sector and strengthening our collective fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease.”
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Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
079 990 4231
