South Africa’s livestock sector battles a fierce foot and mouth disease outbreak South Africa. Consequently, farmers face daily struggles as the virus spreads rapidly. Meanwhile, the government rolls out bold plans to tackle the crisis head-on.
Outbreak Spreads Across Provinces
The foot and mouth disease outbreak in South Africa impacts KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga. Specifically, officials report 274 unresolved cases, with KwaZulu-Natal hardest hit at 180 outbreaks, particularly in Dundee, Dannhauser, and Newcastle. Additionally, Gauteng has 54 cases, North West 26, Mpumalanga 9, and Free State 5.
For instance, the virus affects all cattle types, from commercial to communal herds. It began in KwaZulu-Natal and spread through a February auction to other provinces. Moreover, farm-to-farm transmission occurs when biosecurity measures fail, according to government findings. Thus, the outbreak demands urgent action.
Thankfully, Eastern Cape remains clear after lifting its disease management area. Similarly, Northern Cape and Western Cape stay FMD-free due to strict regulations.
Government Forms Task Team
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen takes charge. For example, he launched an Industry-Government Task Team on Animal Disease Prevention, Management, and Control, chaired by Dr. Emily Mogajane.
This team targets effective interventions for the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Specifically, they aim to improve coordination, revise control zones, enhance diagnostics, and boost vaccine access. Furthermore, a July bosberaad sparked ideas for legal reforms and local vaccine production.
Vaccines Roll Out Fast
To combat the crisis, the department secured 900,000 vaccine doses from Botswana for R72 million. Initially, 500,000 doses arrived in June, vaccinating cattle across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and Free State.
Recently, the remaining 400,000 doses arrived, and officials distributed 50,000 already. Moreover, more doses target active outbreak zones. Looking ahead, a new vaccine facility, set for a March 2026 launch, will produce 150,000 to 200,000 doses yearly.
Minister Warns on Livestock Moves
Steenhuisen highlights risky behaviors.
“Reports of farmers moving cattle showing clinical signs of the disease, or treating them privately without reporting, are deeply concerning and irresponsible,” he says.
Such actions break laws and risk making FMD endemic. Therefore, he urges farmers to report issues to vets immediately.
“All livestock farmers must cooperate fully with veterinary officials,” Steenhuisen emphasizes, stressing teamwork to protect the industry.
Impacts Hit Hard
The foot and mouth disease outbreak dents farmer confidence. For instance, an agribusiness index fell to 63 points from 65. As a result, everyday South Africans face rising meat prices and job threats. Nevertheless, with vaccines and the task team, containment is within reach.
