South Africa Faces Widespread Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Across Seven Provinces

Active foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks are currently affecting seven South African provinces, with 455 outbreaks officially reported so far in 2025. The provinces impacted include KwaZulu-Natal, North West, the Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Western Cape.

KwaZulu-Natal remains the hardest hit, with 207 outbreaks reported, 187 of which are still unresolved. The disease initially affected communal dipping facilities and small-scale farms but has now spread to commercial beef and dairy herds. Five game reserves in the province are also affected. Complete eradication in these reserves is unlikely due to carrier buffalo populations.

The Western Cape has recorded a single outbreak linked to the illegal movement of animals from infected areas. Eastern Cape and Limpopo had controlled the disease until recently, when four new FMD cases were confirmed in Limpopo, affecting Waterberg, Vhembe, and Alldays. Authorities are considering establishing a protection zone in the Eastern Cape to prevent further spread.

Mpumalanga and Gauteng have also experienced significant outbreaks. In April 2025, the SAT2 strain of FMD was detected in Gert Sibande municipality in Mpumalanga, linked to the KwaZulu-Natal outbreaks. Thirty confirmed outbreaks have been reported across several local municipalities, including Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Dipaleseng, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, eMakhazeni, and Steve Tshwete. Two abattoirs and ten farms or feedlots have been approved for controlled slaughter of infected or vaccinated cattle.

Gauteng reported its first SAT2 outbreak in April 2025 in West Rand municipality, followed by a SAT1 outbreak in October 2025 at a local feedlot. The SAT1 strain is unrelated to the KwaZulu-Natal strain. A total of 105 outbreaks have been reported in Gauteng across communal kraals, feedlots, and commercial farms. Two abattoirs and sixteen farms or feedlots have been approved for controlled slaughter.

In North West, FMD outbreaks began in June 2025 in the JB Marks Local Municipality and have since spread to Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, City of Matlosana, and Kagisano-Molopo municipalities. Fifty outbreaks have been reported, mainly on cattle farms and informal holdings. One abattoir and nine farms or feedlots are designated for controlled slaughter.

The Free State confirmed a SAT2 outbreak on 9 July 2025 in Moqhaka Local Municipality, with further cases in Metsimaholo, Maluti-a-Phofung, and Mafube municipalities. A total of 58 outbreaks have been reported, with one abattoir and eleven farms or feedlots approved for controlled slaughter.

Authorities emphasise that achieving FMD freedom through vaccination is a long-term effort requiring sustained compliance, financial commitment, and strict biosecurity. Farmers, transporters, and all stakeholders are urged to follow protocols and report cases promptly.

The Department of Agriculture stresses that collective action is essential. With coordinated efforts, strict biosecurity, and adherence to animal movement laws, South Africa can work toward controlling FMD and safeguarding the livestock industry.