Mopani District Strengthens Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Measures

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Mopani District has stepped up measures to prevent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) after the disease was declared a national state of disaster. With outbreaks reported in several districts across South Africa, livestock, rural livelihoods, and local economies face significant risk. Mopani District, bordered by affected districts, has acted quickly to limit the potential spread. Officials are prioritising awareness, compliance, and early detection as essential tools for controlling the disease.

On 6 February 2026, the district held a targeted awareness campaign at Sekgopo Village in the Greater Letaba Local Municipality. The location was chosen due to its proximity to Capricorn District, which has reported FMD cases. Veterinary officials met directly with livestock owners to provide practical guidance on how FMD spreads and the steps farmers can take to protect their herds. The campaign formed part of a larger prevention strategy designed to safeguard cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals in Mopani.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It spreads through direct animal contact, contaminated equipment, vehicles, and even short-distance airborne transmission. Key symptoms include fever, excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth and on hooves, lameness, and sudden drops in milk production. Early detection is vital because rapid reporting allows veterinary authorities to isolate infected animals and prevent wider transmission.

The Mopani District Veterinary Services team has outlined specific objectives to manage the disease. These include promoting early recognition of FMD symptoms, encouraging immediate reporting of suspected cases, discouraging illegal movement of animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread. Farmers were advised to strengthen on-farm biosecurity by limiting access to livestock areas, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and keeping detailed records of animal movements. Community leaders were also engaged to reinforce the importance of compliance, warning that failure to follow regulations could endanger both communal herds and commercial operations.

Protecting livestock is critical not only for farmers’ livelihoods but also for food security and job stability in rural communities. The Mopani District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has committed to ongoing monitoring, education, and coordination with neighbouring districts. By acting proactively, the district aims to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak within its borders. Continued vigilance, farmer cooperation, and strict adherence to veterinary guidelines remain central to keeping Mopani’s livestock industry safe.