South Africa has made significant strides in combating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) by vaccinating nearly 4.4 million animals as part of its efforts to restore livestock export capabilities. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that the government has procured 13.5 million vaccine doses and aims to vaccinate the entire cattle population twice by the end of the year. He highlighted the urgency of accelerating vaccination efforts, stating that the focus has shifted from procurement to implementation on the ground. The minister acknowledged concerns regarding the pace of vaccinations and stressed that no animal should be vaccinated without proper identification tags, which are crucial for tracking and ensuring timely booster shots. The government has also recruited additional animal health technicians and partnered with industry organizations to enhance vaccination rates. Steenhuisen reiterated that controlling the outbreak is essential not only for protecting livestock but also for regaining access to international markets, which are currently restricted due to FMD status. He expressed confidence that once the disease is under control, South Africa's red meat sector will thrive globally.