As the new year begins, South Africa’s agriculture sector remains gripped by one of the most severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in recent memory. By January 2026, the highly contagious viral disease has spread to seven of the nine provinces — KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Free State, and Western Cape — marking an unprecedented escalation since the initial cases emerged in 2024.The KwaZulu-Natal epicentre continues to record the highest number of active outbreaks, with 187 unresolved cases out of 207 reported since the start of the crisis.
The disease has now crossed from communal dip tanks and small-scale farms into commercial beef and dairy herds, as well as affecting five game reserves where buffalo serve as long-term carriers — making complete eradication extremely difficult.In Limpopo, previously considered under control, four new cases were confirmed in December 2025 in the Waterberg, Vhembe, and Alldays districts. The Western Cape recorded a single outbreak linked to illegal animal movement from infected areas.
Economic and Trade Fallout
The outbreak has triggered widespread movement controls, quarantine zones, and halted exports of cloven-hoofed animals and products to many international markets. South Africa’s red meat industry, valued at approximately R80 billion, faces severe pressure. Livestock prices have fluctuated sharply, with farmers unable to move animals to abattoirs, leading to significant financial losses estimated in the billions of rands.Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has described the situation as a “systemic challenge” requiring fundamental change, significant financial commitment, and zero tolerance for non-compliance with animal movement laws. In late 2025, he announced a shift to a new policy direction: FMD-free with vaccination, a departure from reliance on stamping-out measures alone
The outbreak has triggered widespread movement controls, quarantine zones, and halted exports of cloven-hoofed animals and products to many international markets. South Africa’s red meat industry, valued at approximately R80 billion, faces severe pressure. Livestock prices have fluctuated sharply, with farmers unable to move animals to abattoirs, leading to significant financial losses estimated in the billions of rands.Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has described the situation as a “systemic challenge” requiring fundamental change, significant financial commitment, and zero tolerance for non-compliance with animal movement laws. In late 2025, he announced a shift to a new policy direction: FMD-free with vaccination, a departure from reliance on stamping-out measures alone
Vaccination Rollout – Hope Amid Logistical Challenges
A national vaccination programme is now underway, with the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) contracted to supply 1 million doses per month starting mid-January 2026. The Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), developed by the CSIR, is being implemented from early January to track vaccinated animals using geo-location. A Section 10 scheme under the Animal Diseases Act is expected to be finalised by the end of January, setting parameters for dairy and feedlot vaccination.All unspent Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) funds have been redirected to biosecurity and FMD control, with 5% of future CASP funding prioritised for the disease.Despite these steps, industry voices remain cautious. Logistical challenges, vaccine potency concerns, and the sheer scale of vaccinating 12.1 million cattle pose major hurdles. Private-sector involvement, including rejuvenation of Onderstepoort Biological Products and the Agricultural Research Council, is seen as critical for future self-sufficiency.Rural Communities and Food Security at Risk
A national vaccination programme is now underway, with the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) contracted to supply 1 million doses per month starting mid-January 2026. The Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), developed by the CSIR, is being implemented from early January to track vaccinated animals using geo-location. A Section 10 scheme under the Animal Diseases Act is expected to be finalised by the end of January, setting parameters for dairy and feedlot vaccination.All unspent Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) funds have been redirected to biosecurity and FMD control, with 5% of future CASP funding prioritised for the disease.Despite these steps, industry voices remain cautious. Logistical challenges, vaccine potency concerns, and the sheer scale of vaccinating 12.1 million cattle pose major hurdles. Private-sector involvement, including rejuvenation of Onderstepoort Biological Products and the Agricultural Research Council, is seen as critical for future self-sufficiency.Rural Communities and Food Security at Risk
The crisis has amplified fears over food security, rural livelihoods, and the potential collapse of livestock farming in affected areas. Stock theft, already a serious problem, has been exacerbated by movement restrictions and weakened rural security.The National African Farmers Union of South Africa (NAFU-SA) and the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) have called for unity across racial and sectoral lines, rejecting attempts to politicise or racialise farm attacks, and demanded urgent strengthening of rural safety, intelligence-led policing, and dismantling of organised stock-theft syndicates.
Looking Ahead
South Africa’s path to regaining FMD-free status with vaccination is expected to take years of sustained effort. The 2026 outlook remains fragile: success depends on flawless implementation of the vaccination programme, strict biosecurity, traceability, and cooperation across government, industry, and communities. Failure risks prolonged export bans, continued economic damage, and deepening rural hardship.For now, the nation watches anxiously as the most ambitious disease-control effort in modern history begins — with food security, rural stability, and the future of South African livestock farming hanging in the balance.
South Africa’s path to regaining FMD-free status with vaccination is expected to take years of sustained effort. The 2026 outlook remains fragile: success depends on flawless implementation of the vaccination programme, strict biosecurity, traceability, and cooperation across government, industry, and communities. Failure risks prolonged export bans, continued economic damage, and deepening rural hardship.For now, the nation watches anxiously as the most ambitious disease-control effort in modern history begins — with food security, rural stability, and the future of South African livestock farming hanging in the balance.
Watch and see and believe. At least is the Christmas flue almost over and can the government start working.
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