THE Eastern Cape has reported 40 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks, with one closed and 39 still open, according to a 28 March Department of Agriculture update. One newly reported outbreak was detected through routine surveillance and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), but blood test results indicate past infection only, with no evidence of active viral circulation. Ongoing testing on selected properties aims to finalise surveillance efforts within the DMA, with the hope that the results will support the lifting of Disease Management Area (DMA) restrictions in the near future.
The Department said that in light of the encouraging results from ongoing surveillance, it is now able to introduce targeted relief measures for farmers within the DMA whose herds have consistently tested negative and have not received FMD vaccinations. These farms will now be permitted to process milk for local consumption through single pasteurisation, instead of the previously mandated double pasteurisation or UHT treatment. Additionally, such farms will no longer be required to conduct 28-day interval testing to qualify for direct slaughter. These measures are intended to ease the economic burden on compliant farmers. Eligible farm owners are urged to contact their local State Veterinarian to apply for the necessary exemptions.
National biosecurity and movement controls
Control measures introduced in October 2022 remain in effect:
- Movement of cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa requires a health declaration from the owner.
- Newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be isolated from resident herds for at least 28 days.
- Farmers are strongly advised to limit animal movements and exercise caution when procuring animals.
Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.
Essential biosecurity measures include limiting and/or postponing the introduction of new animals if possible and, if necessary, only introducing animals from known clean farms with a health declaration, preventing nose-to-nose contact of farm animals with animals outside the farm, maintaining secure farm boundaries, and restricting access for people and vehicles as much as possible.
Report suspicious symptoms
FMD is a controlled animal disease in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No 35 of 1984). Any suspicious clinical symptoms (salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions) must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances. The Act prescribes certain control measures, like isolation and movement control, that are being enforced by Veterinary Services.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal has experienced 165 outbreaks of FMD, with eighteen of these have been closed, and 147 still active. An enlarged DMA was declared on 17 March 2025, where signs of continued virus activity persist. The Department urged livestock owners to maintain strict biosecurity and adhere to movement protocols to curb disease spread.
