Geneva: Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to global biosecurity, animal health, and food security, highlighting the country’s proactive measures to reduce biological threats through a One Health approach. Addressing the Global Threat Reduction Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Geneva, Switzerland, Steenhuisen emphasized South Africa’s recognition of the serious challenges posed by biological threats to both national and global health security.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister outlined South Africa’s national strategy, which focuses on early detection, prevention, and rapid response to biological risks. This strategy is supported by strong governance structures, evidence-based policies, and sustained collaboration among national, regional, and international partners. Through these efforts, South Africa aims not only to safeguard animal and public health but also to sustain agricultural productivity and food security.
A cornerstone of South Africa’s biological threat reduction efforts is the implementation of the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Strategy Framework, adopting a holistic One Health approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance across animal, human, and environmental sectors. The Minister noted the establishment of coordinated national surveillance programs to monitor resistance patterns, improve laboratory diagnostics, and guide responsible use of antimicrobials.
Steenhuisen highlighted the focus within the veterinary sector on reducing the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, strengthening animal husbandry practices, and promoting alternatives such as vaccination and improved biosecurity. Extensive awareness campaigns target veterinary officials, farmers, and the general public to build a culture of prudent antimicrobial use. Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) AMR platform, South Africa continues to collaborate with neighboring countries to harmonize surveillance, share data, and align regional response strategies.
Steenhuisen also underscored the importance of meat safety as part of South Africa’s biosecurity system and the country’s commitment to protecting public health. Under the Meat Safety Act, the country maintains a rigorous abattoir approval and inspection system, ensuring compliance with national hygiene, welfare, and traceability standards. The South African Meat Industry Company (SAMIC) plays a significant role in auditing and certifying facilities, while the International Meat Quality Assurance Services (IMQUAS) electronic meat inspection and traceability system enhances accountability across the entire meat value chain.
South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council (ARC) hosts nine WOAH reference laboratories researching key endemic animal diseases, including African horse sickness, African swine fever, bluetongue, and Foot and Mouth Disease. The laboratories operate in full compliance with internationally recognized quality management systems, adhering to ISO/IEC 17025 standards and maintaining accreditation through the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
Steenhuisen further highlighted significant strides toward self-sufficiency in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine production, with ARC already registered vaccine and now building a factory to mass produce it. Efforts to produce the vaccine on a smaller scale are at an advanced stage, with the production of thousands of vaccine doses expected by April 2026.
The Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction, taking place from 28-30 October 2025, brings together top minds in the fields of health security to focus on the latest strategies, challenges, and innovations in combating biological threats to interconnected ecosystems.