Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease Prevention in South Africa

Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease Prevention in South Africa

What is FMD?

Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals—like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It causes fever, painful blisters in the mouth and on hooves, and can severely reduce milk production and weight gain. While adult animals usually survive, young animals may die from complications, and recovered animals can still carry and spread the virus (ScienceDirect, Wikipedia).

Why It Matters in South Africa

South Africa faced renewed FMD outbreaks in 2025 across five of nine provinces, hitting key areas like KwaZulu‑Natal, and even affecting major operations such as the Karan Beef feedlot near Johannesburg. These outbreaks led to quarantines, trade restrictions, and urgent vaccine orders—over 900,000 doses were dispatched to curb the spread (Reuters).

Simple Steps for Farmers to Prevent FMD

1. Strengthen Farm-Level Biosecurity

• Control who enters and exits your farm—use a single, locked gate if possible.
• Provide and require protective clothing and boots for all visitors and workers.
• Keep a log of all visitors and vehicles, and disinfect tires and equipment regularly (CFSPH).
• Ensure proper disposal of manure and dead animals to prevent virus buildup (WOAH).
• Implement bird and rodent control—these animals can carry the virus on their feet (nda.gov.za).

2. Manage Animal Movements Carefully

• Limit movement of animals onto or off your property—especially during outbreaks (CFSPH).
• Create buffer zones or fenced areas when necessary to separate livestock from wildlife, which can harbor the virus (PMC, WOAH).

3. Support Vaccination Campaigns

• Vaccines are being deployed nationwide—including at feedlots—for the first time to lower the viral load and protect animals (Reuters).
• Always follow official guidelines: aim for at least 80% coverage, administer proper dosages, and ensure vaccines match the local virus strains (WOAH).

4. Surveillance & Early Reporting

• Watch for symptoms such as mouth blisters, limping, drooling, loss of appetite, and sudden drops in milk output (Wikipedia).
• Report any suspicious signs to a veterinarian or the relevant animal health authority immediately.
• Stay updated on outbreaks in nearby areas and adjust biosecurity protocols accordingly.

5. Prepare an Outbreak Plan

• Have a contingency plan ready, including:

  • Quarantine procedures
  • Collaboration with veterinary services
  • Safe methods for humane culling (if required) and carcass disposal
  • Plans for disinfecting buildings, tools, and vehicles (WOAH, link.springer.com).

In Summary

Preventing FMD in South Africa comes down to vigilance and proactive management:

• Biosecurity: Lock gates, sanitize gear, manage wildlife interactions.
• Movement controls: Restrict livestock transport during outbreaks.
• Vaccination: Participate fully and accurately.
• Surveillance: Spot and report signs early.
• Preparedness: Have a clear outbreak response plan.

By taking these steps, farmers help protect their herds, stabilize the national livestock industry, and preserve vital trade links.

Interested in a printable farm checklist, detailed signs checklist, or an easy-to-use quarantine workflow diagram? I’d be glad to help build that next!