South Africa containing foot and mouth outbreaks
No new cases since September
5 March 2025
2 minute read
By: South Africa is actively tackling a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has hit the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Free State, and Eastern Cape provinces, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report. The outbreak, first detected in May 2024, has dealt a severe blow to the dairy industry, especially in the Eastern Cape, home to nearly a third of the country’s dairy herd.
Dairy industry takes a hit
The Eastern Cape, which holds 29% of South Africa’s national dairy herd, has suffered the most. The Free State and KZN, though less affected, also house significant dairy populations, with 4% and 29% of the total herd, respectively. In response, authorities moved swiftly to contain the virus. They confirmed 34 farms in the Eastern Cape as infected and vaccinated all affected cattle. Another 36 farms received preventive vaccinations to limit symptoms if infections occurred.
To curb the spread, officials culled 430 cattle. Their efforts appear to be working—since mid-September no new cases have surfaced. All recent tests have come back negative.
Vaccination campaign underway
South Africa has ramped up its FMD vaccination drive. Between 2021 and 2022, authorities vaccinated around 634,000 cattle nationwide. In 2024, they focused efforts on the Eastern Cape, where nearly 97,000 cattle received doses to boost immunity.
Right now, 37 farms remain positive—31 dairy farms and six beef farms—while 39 previously infected farms have tested negative following vaccinations. Although the situation is improving, officials remain cautiously optimistic.
Vigilance remains key
With the outbreak seemingly under control, authorities continue to monitor affected regions closely. The dairy industry, already under strain, faces a slow recovery, but strict biosecurity measures and continued surveillance aim to prevent another wave.
Officials urge farmers to remain alert, follow containment guidelines and report any signs of infection immediately.
