South Africa Unveils Long Term Strategy to Contain Foot and Mouth Disease

South Africa has announced a national strategy to contain Foot and Mouth Disease and rebuild confidence in the livestock sector. The plan was outlined by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and focuses on protecting farmers, securing food supply and restoring access to international markets.

The announcement follows years of pressure on the sector after South Africa lost its FMD free status in 2019. Since then, outbreaks have led to trade restrictions, income losses and rising costs for both commercial and communal farmers. The disease has affected livelihoods across the value chain.

The strategy provides a clear and structured roadmap. Government has stated that regaining FMD free status will take time and discipline. The plan will roll out in phases over ten years. The initial phase focuses on stabilisation and consolidation to stop further spread of the disease.

Key actions include stronger disease surveillance, faster reporting of outbreaks and tighter control of livestock movement. Biosecurity measures on farms and transport routes form a central part of the approach. These steps aim to contain outbreaks in high risk areas before they spread further.

Vaccination is included as an important tool but not a complete solution. Authorities have stressed that vaccination alone cannot eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease. It must work alongside surveillance, movement control and farmer cooperation.

The vaccination programme will begin in areas with the most severe outbreaks. These areas were identified through scientific risk assessments using disease heatmaps. This targeted rollout allows resources to be used where the impact will be highest.

Farmers play a critical role in the success of the strategy. Prompt reporting of suspected cases helps veterinary services identify hotspots and respond quickly. Delayed reporting increases the risk of wider outbreaks and longer recovery periods.

In the long term, South Africa aims to regain international recognition of its animal health status. As disease control improves, the country plans to move toward the withdrawal of vaccination. This step is required before applying for recognition of national freedom through vaccination by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Restoring this status is essential for reopening export markets and improving competitiveness. It also supports economic recovery in rural areas where livestock farming is a major source of income.

Government has acknowledged the financial and emotional strain caused by repeated outbreaks. The strategy is designed to protect farmers, strengthen animal health systems and safeguard national food security.

The plan represents a long term commitment rather than a quick fix. Its success depends on cooperation between government, industry and farmers. With consistent implementation and shared responsibility, the livestock sector can move toward stability, recovery and renewed growth.