Minister Steenhuisen and Premier Mokgosi to Witness Fifth Nationwide FMD Vaccination Campaign in North West

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, will join the Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, on Tuesday for the fifth nationwide mass vaccination roll‑out campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. This event highlights the government’s ongoing effort to contain and prevent the spread of FMD, a viral livestock disease that can devastate animal health and negatively impact the agricultural economy if left unchecked. The campaign continues a phased nationwide push to vaccinate large numbers of cattle and other cloven‑hoofed animals in high‑risk areas following multiple outbreaks in recent months. Vaccination is central to the Department of Agriculture’s strategy to reduce disease incidence, strengthen biosecurity, and support livestock producers across the country. Stakeholders view these campaigns as essential steps toward managing FMD and stabilising trade and production in the livestock sector.

At the event, Mr Steenhuisen will be joined by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in North West, Mr Madoda Sambatha, to engage directly with farmers in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. Their engagement will focus on addressing farmer concerns, explaining vaccination procedures, and reinforcing best practices for disease control on farms. Farmers have faced challenges due to movement restrictions and outbreaks over the past year, and the presence of national and provincial leaders gives them direct access to government decision‑makers. Officials are expected to discuss vaccination logistics as well as biosecurity measures that producers can implement on their farms to prevent new infections. The campaign will take place at Swartkopfontein Communal Hall, with media invited to attend at 09:30 on 07 April 2026.

Foot and Mouth Disease is highly contagious among cloven‑hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and it can spread rapidly without proper controls. Once an outbreak occurs, it threatens livestock health, farmer livelihoods, and export markets. South Africa’s vaccination drive aims to cover a large portion of the national cattle herd and reduce outbreak hotspots, with rollout phases prioritising areas most at risk. Previous vaccination campaigns have distributed high‑potency doses through provincial veterinary services for free administration to livestock owners. The government also plans to expand local vaccine production capacity over time to support long‑term disease control objectives.

Biosecurity measures and strict disease management are essential complements to vaccination efforts. Farmers are advised to report suspect cases immediately, enforce quarantine for new or sick animals, and follow movement restrictions to prevent spread. Government directives emphasise the legal responsibility of animal owners to take all reasonable steps to prevent disease under the Animal Diseases Act. These combined efforts help protect not only individual farms but also national livestock health, food security, and the broader agricultural economy. Continued collaboration between government, farmers, veterinarians, and industry partners is critical to contain FMD and reduce its impact across provinces.

The nationwide FMD vaccination roll‑out in Ramotshere Moiloa marks a key milestone in South Africa’s response to this serious livestock disease. The attendance of Mr John Steenhuisen, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, and Mr Madoda Sambatha highlights the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and stabilising the agricultural sector. By combining large‑scale vaccination with strong biosecurity practices and farmer engagement, the campaign aims to protect animal health, uphold economic stability, and move closer to controlling FMD outbreaks effectively. The involvement of national and provincial leaders strengthens trust and cooperation with farming communities at a time when disease management remains vital.