In response to a significant outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), South Africa is set to import 1 million vaccines from Argentine biotechnology firm Biogenesis Bago. This import, announced by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen during a session of the National Assembly, marks the largest single shipment of FMD vaccines to the country, highlighting the urgency of the health crisis affecting livestock in various provinces.

The decision to bring in such a large number of vaccines underscores the severe impact the disease has had, not only on the agricultural sector but also on the broader economy that relies on livestock farming. Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that this importation would provide crucial relief to the hardest-hit regions and is part of a coordinated effort to control the outbreak and safeguard livestock health.

During the parliamentary session, Steenhuisen also discussed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address, indicating that the government's response reflects a commitment to tackling agricultural crises effectively. The ongoing debate surrounding the president's address, where he is expected to outline future plans for the nation, further underscores the importance of the agricultural sector in South Africa's recovery and growth post-crisis.