The Gauteng High Court has ruled that South African farmers may procure and administer foot-and-mouth disease vaccines without state permission. The interim order was handed down on 25 May in favour of farming organisations.
Judge CJ van der Westhuizen confirmed that owners of cloven-hooved livestock can source approved FMD vaccines from lawful importers and administer them independently. Farmers must notify provincial veterinary services at least five days in advance and submit an affidavit within 14 days after vaccination.
The order also bars Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and department officials from interfering in commercial supply agreements. It was granted to Sakeliga, Suider-Afrika Agri Inisiatief and Free State Agriculture as interim relief pending a full review application due within 20 days.
Steenhuisen stated that a gazetted Section 10 scheme already provides a framework for private participation. He noted that 13.5 million vaccine doses have been procured since February, with the goal of vaccinating 80 percent of the national cattle herd.