This week, make your farm’s animal-health plan visible and usable: review every recent and planned animal movement, check that staff know how to report suspicious signs, and contact your herd veterinarian about official vaccination protocols for your area. Do not obtain or administer foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine independently. The ARC has approved conditional licensing for qualifying private companies to manufacture its vaccine at scale, but that is a potential expansion of supply—not permission to bypass veterinary oversight. The Daily Maverick reported the ARC decision on 6 October, following Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp’s proposal; the ARC said its own infrastructure limits short-term output.
Make the movement record do real work
Keep a current record of animals, people, vehicles and equipment entering or leaving the property, and decide who is responsible for checking and updating it. Biosecurity depends on knowing what crosses the farm boundary; the same discipline needs to run through the wider value chain. Staff training matters too: workers who understand how disease spreads and can recognise concerns early are better able to follow prevention protocols and protect herd productivity.
If you are introducing stock, keep new arrivals separate under a 30-day quarantine protocol and arrange comprehensive infectious-disease testing before they contact the main herd. That safeguards the existing herd while allowing planned genetic improvement. For any animal movement, verify current permissions and requirements with the relevant state veterinarian before transport. Namibia’s FMD outbreak, confirmed in the Karasburg State Veterinary District, led to suspension of cloven-hoofed livestock movement and exports, including to South Africa. Farmers Weekly reported that this affects South African buyers of Namibian weaner calves and sheep; it is a reminder that sourcing plans can change quickly.
Treat vaccination as a coordinated programme
Ask your veterinarian which official vaccination protocol applies to your herd and what documentation and timing are required. At Nampo Alfa near Bothaville, vaccination was a prerequisite for every livestock animal exhibited, alongside veterinary checks and vehicle disinfection. The event’s biosecurity arrangements enabled livestock participation under current FMD conditions, illustrating the value of planning movements around documented vaccination, veterinary oversight and entry controls. Farmers Weekly reported these measures on 2 October.
The cold chain also matters: vaccine must be kept at the correct temperature from laboratory to farm, and a dose is only one part of a coordinated programme. Work with your veterinarian and follow official directions on handling, timing and administration. The ARC licensing decision may help expand future supply, but do not infer availability, eligibility or a schedule for your own farm from the announcement alone.
Build an early-warning routine, not just an emergency response
Set a clear reporting route for staff and make sure concerns reach the farm manager and veterinarian promptly. TIA’s R14-million investment in TokaBio’s livestock molecular rapid-response and bio-surveillance programme aims to support geographically targeted surveillance for diseases including FMD and avian influenza, and to help compartmentalisation for trade continuity. Bizcommunity reported the investment on 5 October. This is a programme development, not a replacement for on-farm observation, official reporting or veterinary investigation.
Keep disease-specific risks in view. BVD circulates in South African herds and can affect milk production and reproductive efficiency; control combines vaccination, biosecurity, management and ongoing monitoring. Avian influenza has also been confirmed in dairy cows, with lethargy, reduced milk supply and changes in milk appearance among reported signs; possible spread through physical objects reinforces the need for clean, controlled handling and movement of equipment. Staff should know what to report rather than trying to diagnose cases themselves.
Protect resilience through feed, water and teamwork
Review feed reserves for breeding stock, confirm reliable water access and match livestock numbers to available feed and grazing. The Department of Agriculture’s advice for El Niño-related risk also highlighted regular veterinary inspections, disease surveillance and timely vaccination. The Citizen reported this guidance on 2 October. For dairy herds, nutrition, health and production are connected: monitor feed quality and costs while making deliberate transition-period nutrition and management decisions.
A farm plan works best when it is shared. Train staff, keep treatment and movement records, and agree in advance who contacts the veterinarian and who communicates with suppliers or processors if disease is suspected. Responsible antimicrobial use starts with accurate diagnosis, treatment protocols, education and records—not routine treatment without a clear basis. Industry-wide disease control also depends on coordinated reporting and collaboration; prevention is generally a stronger investment than trying to recover after an outbreak.
Key points
- This week, audit animal, people, vehicle and equipment movements, and assign responsibility for keeping the records current.
- Discuss vaccination eligibility, timing, cold-chain handling and documentation with your veterinarian; follow official protocols and do not self-source or administer FMD vaccine.
- Quarantine new arrivals for 30 days and complete infectious-disease testing before contact with the herd.
- Brief staff on early reporting, confirm feed and water resilience, and maintain regular veterinary surveillance.