Minister Steenhuisen Urges Unity and Action as South Africa Battles Foot and Mouth Disease

South Africa’s livestock sector is facing one of its most challenging moments in recent history as the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) spreads across the country. For many farmers, these past months have brought sleepless nights, difficult decisions, and a growing sense of uncertainty. Livestock is not just a source of income; it is a legacy, a family heritage, and the backbone of rural livelihoods. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the government has declared the outbreak a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2002. This declaration enables a faster, more coordinated response, directing resources where they are needed most and signalling the State’s commitment to protect farmers and the livestock sector at large.

At the forefront of this effort is Minister John Steenhuisen, who has placed farmers at the heart of the national response. His message to the sector has been clear: the government understands the pressures farmers face, and it is acting with urgency to contain the disease and restore stability. FMD has disrupted markets, restricted the movement of animals, and heightened the risks associated with livestock production. For many, these challenges are personal, threatening years of careful herd management and the livelihoods of entire families. Minister Steenhuisen has repeatedly emphasised that government support is available, but success will depend on a collaborative effort between farmers, veterinary teams, and regulatory authorities.

A key pillar of the response is the rapid rollout of vaccination programmes. South Africa has already received initial shipments of FMD vaccines funded by the government, with additional supplies expected to strengthen containment efforts. Vaccination is prioritised in affected and high-risk areas to prevent further spread and protect the national herd. State and private veterinarians, alongside animal health technicians, are working tirelessly on the ground, visiting farms of all sizes and ensuring that every animal has access to protection. The minister has made it clear that every herd matters, regardless of scale or location, and that the collective strength of the livestock sector depends on protecting each animal.

While vaccination is critical, it cannot succeed without farmers actively implementing strong biosecurity measures. Minister Steenhuisen has stressed the importance of limiting unnecessary animal movement, controlling access to farms, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, and reporting any signs of disease immediately. These actions serve as the first line of defence against FMD and are essential to complement vaccination efforts. The minister has been clear: the fight against FMD is a shared responsibility, and government alone cannot contain the disease without full participation from farmers. Strong biosecurity practices reduce transmission risks and protect both individual herds and the broader agricultural economy.

Unity across the livestock sector is another essential factor in overcoming the outbreak. FMD affects all producers, from small-scale farmers to large commercial operations, and requires coordinated action across provinces and production systems. Minister Steenhuisen has called for open communication, cooperation, and mutual support among farmers, emphasising that the actions of one individual can have wide-reaching consequences. Sharing information, following guidelines, and trusting the response systems in place are vital to restoring confidence and stability. The road to recovery will be gradual, requiring discipline, patience, and consistent action from all stakeholders in the sector.

South Africa has a clear path to containing FMD and returning to a disease-free status. With the national disaster declaration enabling a coordinated response, vaccines being deployed, and veterinary teams working around the clock, the country is taking decisive steps to protect its livestock industry. Minister Steenhuisen’s call to action highlights that defeating FMD requires collective responsibility, strong biosecurity, and sector-wide unity. For farmers, this is a time to protect their herds, support one another, and adhere to all preventive measures. By standing together, implementing best practices, and cooperating fully with government efforts, South Africa’s livestock sector can overcome this outbreak and secure its future.