North West Province Reports 138 Foot and Mouth Disease Cases, Strengthens Vaccination and Control Measures

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed 138 cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province as of 19 February 2026. Of these, 135 cases were reported in cattle, two in pigs, and one in goats, affecting sixteen of the province’s eighteen municipalities. JB Marks/Ventersdorp recorded the highest number of cases with 26, followed by Potchefstroom/Tlokwe with 24, and Rustenburg with 16. The outbreak underscores the vulnerability of livestock to FMD and highlights the urgent need for coordinated disease control efforts across the province. Farmers and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and comply with all veterinary protocols to prevent further spread.

To contain the disease, the province received 1,400 doses of FMD vaccine on 9 February 2026. These doses were administered to a dairy herd in Bojanala District and recorded on the Livestock Identification Traceability System (LITS) to ensure accurate monitoring. A second batch of vaccines is expected later this month, with rollout guided by a risk-based approach. Animal Health Technicians will notify farmers when their animals are due for vaccination, prioritizing high-risk areas to prevent escalation. These measures are designed to protect herds, maintain productivity, and minimize economic losses in the livestock sector.

Movement of animals remains the most significant threat to controlling the outbreak. The Department issued a Movement Protocol on 12 February 2026 to regulate livestock transport and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Farmers, transporters, and other stakeholders are urged to comply fully with these protocols and to communicate the guidelines widely. Unrestricted movement could compromise containment efforts, prolong the outbreak, and increase the potential for trade restrictions. Community cooperation is essential to ensure that all preventive measures are effectively implemented.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, emphasized the severity of the outbreak, noting the importance of vaccination, movement control, and community vigilance. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, and law enforcement to contain the disease. Sambatha urged all farmers and stakeholders to report suspected cases immediately, follow protocols strictly, and support the province’s collective efforts to protect livelihoods. He reinforced that timely reporting and adherence to vaccination schedules are critical to limiting the impact of FMD on livestock and the broader agricultural economy.

The Department calls on all farmers and communities to act swiftly if they suspect FMD in their herds. Reports should be made to local State Veterinarians, Private Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, or Extension Officers without delay. Prompt action enables rapid investigation, targeted vaccination, and quarantine measures, reducing the risk of widespread outbreaks. By working together, farmers, authorities, and communities can protect livestock, safeguard food security, and ensure the sustainability of the North West’s agricultural industry.