Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa: What Farmers and the public Should Know

South Africa is currently facing renewed concern around the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs (WOAH, 2025). While the disease poses little risk to humans, it can have devastating impacts on livestock health, farming livelihoods, and the agricultural economy (WOAH, 2025).
​
Recent outbreaks in several provinces have prompted the national government to intensify efforts to control the disease. Containing FMD requires a coordinated response between farmers, veterinarians, government departments and agricultural organisations.

Strengthening the National Response
​
In a major step towards controlling the outbreak, the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development recently announced the arrival of the first shipment of one million high-potency FMD vaccines. These vaccines form part of a broader national plan to bring more than five million doses into the country, helping expand vaccination programmes in high-risk areas (Government of South Africa, 2026).
Vaccines are being distributed to several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and the Western Cape (Government of South Africa, 2026).
 
However, vaccination alone is not enough. The Department continues to emphasise strict livestock movement controls, improved surveillance, and strong farm biosecurity to slow the spread of the disease.

Recognising the Symptoms
​
Early detection plays a crucial role in limiting the spread of FMD. Farmers and livestock owners should keep an eye out for the following signs in cattle and other susceptible animals:

• High fever
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Blisters or sores on the tongue, mouth, gums or lips
• Blisters between the hooves or around the feet
• Lameness or reluctance to walk
• Sudden drop in milk production
• Loss of appetite and weakness
  
  

These blisters often burst and leave painful sores, making it difficult for animals to eat or move.

​
 
Practical Steps Farmers Can Take

Preventing the spread of FMD often comes down to good everyday farm management practices. Farmers can help protect their livestock by:

• Limiting unnecessary movement of animals between farms
• Avoiding the introduction of animals without proper health checks
• Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, boots and equipment entering the farm
• Restricting visitor access to livestock areas
• Monitoring animals daily for early signs of disease

By staying informed and following biosecurity guidelines, farmers and communities can play an important role in protecting livestock and supporting the resilience of South Africa’s agricultural sector.




References:


Www.gov.za. (2026). Agriculture on arrival of vaccines accelerates national war against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) | South African Government. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/agriculture-arrival-vaccines-accelerates-national-war-against-foot-and-mouth 

World Organisation for Animal Health (2023). Foot and mouth disease. [online] WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health. Available at: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/