North West Province Launches Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Campaign to Protect Livestock

The North West Province has officially begun the rollout of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, marking a decisive step in controlling the outbreak that has affected livestock across the region. The vaccination campaign targets all districts, prioritizing areas with the highest incidence while ensuring equitable access for farmers in every municipality. FMD has already been confirmed in 16 of the province’s 18 municipalities, with a total of 158 verified cases across four districts. The outbreak poses a serious threat to the province’s agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods, making rapid response measures essential. By launching this campaign, the provincial Department of Agriculture aims to protect cattle, limit the spread of the virus, and support farmers in both commercial and communal settings.

To support the campaign, the Department has secured 100,000 doses of Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccines, which were officially unveiled during a press conference at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture on 5 March 2026 by MEC Madoda Sambatha. MEC Sambatha emphasized that the vaccines will be distributed fairly across all districts, with special attention to communal villages where livestock movement and limited biosecurity measures increase the risk of infection. Priority will be given to areas most affected by the outbreak, but no village or farmer will be left without protection. By building herd immunity in high-risk zones, the province aims to cut off transmission pathways and prevent further spread of the disease. The campaign demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that combines vaccination with public awareness and veterinary support.

Alongside the vaccination drive, veterinary teams are conducting daily outreach programs, information sessions, and biosecurity awareness campaigns to educate farmers about preventing and managing FMD. Precautionary measures are being implemented at quarantine farms and in regions adjacent to buffalo populations, which are known carriers of the virus. These combined efforts are designed to reinforce herd protection and ensure that all livestock within the province are safeguarded against infection. MEC Sambatha encouraged farmers to report any suspected cases immediately to their nearest veterinary clinic or extension officer. Early reporting is critical, as the movement of infected animals is the primary means by which the virus spreads. Communities that act promptly can significantly reduce transmission and protect the livelihoods of all farmers in the province.

Farmers are urged to remain vigilant for signs of Foot and Mouth Disease, including fever, blisters in the mouth or on the feet, excessive salivation, and lameness. Prompt notification allows veterinary authorities to implement containment measures, provide treatment where possible, and prevent the disease from moving to new areas. The Department stresses that the outbreak can only be controlled through collaboration between authorities and farming communities. By participating in vaccination programs, following biosecurity protocols, and reporting suspicious symptoms, farmers play a direct role in protecting both their own herds and the wider agricultural sector. The campaign reinforces the message that collective action is essential for maintaining animal health and safeguarding food security.

The Department has reassured all communities that vaccines will continue to reach every district, from high-risk municipalities to smaller villages. Additional consignments of FMD vaccines are expected in the near future, which will expand coverage and further strengthen herd immunity across the province. The North West Province aims to ensure that no community is left vulnerable and that the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease is halted. By combining vaccination, awareness, and early reporting, the province is creating a coordinated approach that protects cattle, supports farmers, and preserves the agricultural economy. The ongoing campaign reflects a strong commitment to rural livelihoods and demonstrates the importance of proactive, collective action in managing livestock disease outbreaks.