Argentine company Biogénesis Bagó has joined South Africa’s national strategy to fight foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by supplying high-potency vaccines targeting the SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 strains. The initiative aims to drastically reduce outbreaks and support the country’s long-term recovery of animal health.
Under the agreement, an initial shipment of 1 million vaccine doses will be dispatched once regulatory approvals are secured, followed by an additional 5 million doses before March 2026. These vaccines will be integrated into phased vaccination campaigns guided by epidemiological risk maps, achieving over 80% coverage in communal herds and up to 100% in feedlots and dairy farms. This complements local production efforts and regional partnerships, ensuring availability of trivalent vaccines adapted to circulating SAT strains.
South Africa’s program combines vaccination with enhanced epidemiological surveillance, traceability, and livestock movement control, aiming to reduce outbreaks in the most affected provinces within 12 months. In the medium term, the strategy targets consolidation of disease control, ultimately allowing gradual withdrawal of vaccination once internationally recognized health objectives are met.
Biogénesis Bagó highlighted its extensive experience in controlling FMD and its capacity to respond to large-scale animal health emergencies. “Our mission is to help countries design and implement sustainable strategies for FMD control and eradication, combining cutting-edge technology, production capacity, and epidemiological expertise,” said Rodolfo Bellinzoni, Chief of Industrial Operations and Innovation.
He added that South Africa will benefit from the company’s global track record, where systematic vaccine use has helped countries in Latin America and Asia maintain or regain FMD-free status, with or without ongoing vaccination. Biogénesis Bagó also supplies antigens and vaccines to antigen banks worldwide, enabling rapid, flexible responses to emerging outbreaks and viral variants. Bellinzoni concluded, “Our experience will now support South Africa’s roadmap toward a FMD-free status and greater national animal health resilience.”
