South African Farmers Sue State Over FMD Vaccine Access

South African livestock farmers, represented by Sakeliga, Suider-Afrika Agri Inisiatief, and Free State Agriculture, have launched an urgent application in the South Africa===Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa in Pretoria. They are challenging the state's exclusive control over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine procurement and administration, arguing that the government's approach is unconstitutional and has failed to contain the escalating outbreak. The applicants seek an interdict to prevent the state from blocking private individuals and companies from importing and administering registered FMD vaccines. They also plan to initiate review proceedings to confirm the legality of private vaccination. Francois Rossouw, CEO of Suider-Afrika Agri Inisiatief, highlights the severe financial losses and potential bankruptcy faced by farmers. Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, opposes the private sector involvement, citing the Animal Diseases Act and the need to regain South Africa's FMD-free status with the World Organisation for Animal Health. The dispute also involves allegations of government interference in commercial arrangements between private importers and manufacturers like Biogenesis Bagó.