Gauteng Strengthens Foot and Mouth Disease Awareness Ahead of Qurbani Festival Through Key Stakeholder Engagement

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to take active steps to manage and prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease through targeted stakeholder engagement. In a recent development, department officials met with the Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa to strengthen collaboration and improve awareness efforts. This meeting forms part of a broader strategy to reach communities that play an important role in livestock handling and movement. The timing of this engagement is critical as preparations begin for the upcoming Qurbani Festival and other religious events in May. These gatherings often involve increased animal trade and slaughter activities, which can raise the risk of disease transmission if not properly managed.

During the session, officials focused on practical ways to work with the Jamiatul Ulama to share accurate and timely information with its members. The goal is to ensure that communities understand how Foot and Mouth Disease spreads and what steps they can take to prevent it. This includes promoting responsible sourcing of animals, ensuring proper health checks, and avoiding movement of livestock from affected areas. By working through established religious and community structures, the department can reach a wider audience with clear and trusted messaging. This approach supports compliance and encourages responsible practices that protect both livestock and livelihoods.

Foot and Mouth Disease remains a serious concern for South Africa’s agricultural sector due to its highly contagious nature and economic impact. The disease affects cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and can spread quickly through direct contact or contaminated equipment and surfaces. Outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions, trade limitations, and financial losses for farmers and related industries. For this reason, awareness campaigns and preventative measures are essential, especially during periods when animal movement increases. The involvement of organisations like the Jamiatul Ulama helps reinforce these efforts at community level.

The upcoming Qurbani Festival is a key focus of these awareness initiatives because of the scale of livestock activity associated with it. Many families and organisations purchase animals for religious observance, which increases demand and movement across regions. Without proper controls, this can create opportunities for the disease to spread between herds and areas. Officials are therefore encouraging strict adherence to veterinary guidelines, including sourcing animals from trusted suppliers and following biosecurity protocols. Clear communication before and during the festival is necessary to reduce risks and maintain safe practices.

This engagement also reflects a broader commitment by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to build partnerships that support disease control. By involving religious leaders and community organisations, the department strengthens its outreach and improves the effectiveness of its messaging. These partnerships create a shared responsibility where all stakeholders play a role in protecting animal health. The collaboration with the Jamiatul Ulama shows how different sectors can work together toward a common goal. It also demonstrates the importance of proactive planning ahead of high risk periods.

Efforts to control Foot and Mouth Disease require consistency, coordination, and community participation. The recent meeting highlights the importance of early engagement and clear communication to prevent outbreaks. As the Qurbani Festival approaches, continued awareness and responsible practices will be essential to safeguard livestock and support the agricultural economy. The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development remains focused on strengthening these efforts through collaboration and education. This approach helps build a more resilient system that can respond effectively to disease risks now and in the future.