Portfolio Committee on Agriculture Conducts Oversight Visit in Free State to Address Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has begun a week long oversight visit to the Fezile Dabi District Municipality in the Free State. The visit forms part of Parliament’s responsibility to monitor how government departments respond to agricultural challenges affecting farmers and rural economies. Lawmakers are meeting with local authorities, agricultural officials and farmers to assess the impact of livestock diseases and the effectiveness of current control measures. The oversight programme aims to gather first hand information from communities that are directly affected by the crisis. By engaging farmers on the ground, the committee seeks to understand the realities faced by livestock producers and identify solutions that strengthen the national response.

Today the committee is holding meetings in Sasolburg where farmers and agricultural stakeholders are discussing the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, commonly known as FMD. The Free State province has been identified as the epicentre of the current outbreak, making these discussions especially urgent. Farmers are sharing details about how the disease has affected their cattle operations, including movement restrictions, market disruptions and financial losses. Government officials are also providing updates on disease control strategies, quarantine measures and ongoing vaccination efforts. These conversations are designed to ensure that national policy decisions reflect the real conditions experienced by farmers in affected areas.

Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the most serious threats to the livestock sector because of how quickly it spreads among cattle, sheep and other cloven hoofed animals. When outbreaks occur, strict control measures are often required to limit animal movement and prevent the disease from spreading to new regions. These restrictions can affect farmers’ ability to sell livestock, transport animals and access certain markets. During the Sasolburg meeting, farmers are raising concerns about these challenges while also discussing practical steps that can reduce the risk of further infections. Veterinary experts and agricultural officials are using the opportunity to explain disease prevention strategies and the importance of reporting suspected cases early.

The oversight visit also allows the Portfolio Committee to assess whether government support systems are reaching farmers who need assistance. Committee members are gathering feedback on veterinary services, compensation mechanisms and communication between authorities and rural communities. Many farmers rely on timely information and coordinated responses to manage outbreaks effectively. By listening directly to producers, the committee can identify gaps in the current response and recommend improvements to national and provincial agricultural programmes. The engagement also strengthens cooperation between government institutions and farming communities during a time when coordinated action is essential.

Oversight meetings will continue throughout the week in other parts of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality as the committee expands its engagement with local stakeholders. Each visit provides an opportunity to review the progress of disease control efforts and ensure that farmers receive the support required to protect their livestock. The committee’s presence in the district highlights the seriousness of the outbreak and the need for sustained government attention. By combining oversight with direct engagement, the visit helps shape policies that respond to real agricultural challenges. The week long programme aims to strengthen disease management efforts, protect the livestock sector and support farmers who continue to face the impacts of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the Free State.