AfriForum has accused Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen of betraying South African farmers over the handling of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines.

The group says government interference blocked a private company from importing urgently needed doses.

Lambert de Klerk, Environmental Affairs group manager claims this has worsened the outbreak and placed food security at risk.

The department denies wrongdoing and says it is focused on securing reliable vaccine supplies.

Farmers are calling for quick action to stop the spread of the disease.