South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has acknowledged the severe strain South African farmers are experiencing as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to spread, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. In a media statement issued on 26 November, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that the country is facing “one of the most persistent and damaging waves of Foot and mouth disease (FMD) the country has seen in decades.”


Steenhuisen noted the extent of the hardship facing producers, stating that he hears “the cries of farmers, mostly dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, who have suffered losses, movement restrictions and severe disruptions to their livelihoods, particularly in districts such as Kokstad, Dundee, Underberg and Dannhauser, where new cases contin ue to emerge.”


He added: “As minister, I want our farmers to know that I see the impact this outbreak is having on their families, their businesses and their communities. I understand their frustration, and I share their determination to end this crisis.”


KwaZulu-Natal Remains FMD Epicentre


According to the statement, KwaZulu-Natal “remains the epicentre of FMD, with 180 of the 274 unresolved outbreaks reported nationally.” The department said that “despite the vaccination of 931 200 animals with government-procured vaccine stocks over the last three months, uncontrolled animal movement continues to undermine containment efforts and prolongs the crisis.”


Steenhuisen said that although progress has been made, “the current trajectory is not acceptable.” He added: “We must be honest with the public and with our farming sector. This is a battle we are currently not winning. For this reason, we are now significantly strengthening our approach to regain control of the situation.”


Recent cases in the Kokstad area have triggered “intensified vaccination in Estcourt and targeted preventive efforts in surrounding zones.” Limited relief measures have also been introduced “for compliant farmers within the disease management areas, including permitting milk for local consumption following single pasteurisation.”


The Minister thanked industry organisations assisting in the response. “I also want to thank the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) for their purchase of 50 000 vaccine doses for roll out to dairy farmers across KwaZulu-Natal. These are exactly the type of partnerships that our country needs,” he said.


Dairy Farms Receive Targeted FMD Vaccines


The statement listed the dairy farms in KwaZulu-Natal that have received vaccine doses so far: Bergville: 3 000 doses; Estcourt: 2 500 doses; Winterton: an initial 1 500 doses, followed by an additional 3 000 doses; Dundee: 4 000 doses (from government stocks); Spioenkop Dam area: 5 000 doses (from government stocks)


By February 2026, the department plans to acquire “two million doses of FMD vaccines in two separate consignments.” A “new mid-scale vaccine production facility is being established as part of the national biosecurity strengthening programme” to decrease reliance on imported vaccines. The department aims for “between government and industry, an additional 1,5 million doses” to be made available.


A national vaccination plan has also been adopted. “The Department of Agriculture has resolved to implement a comprehensive strategy to vaccinate the entire national herd. This initiative will position us to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status.” The strategy will begin with “KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West, which will submit their livestock numbers, as well as their number of quarantined farms.” The department emphasised that the plan “will rely on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.”


Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that government is collaborating closely with research and biological production institutions. The statement said: “the government is working closely with the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) on the formalisation of public-private partnerships with domestic industry and international partners, including China and Argentina, who have already offered technical cooperation and support regarding vaccine provision.”


More than vaccines needed


The minister stressed that vaccination alone will not end the outbreak. “The success of the FMD response depends not only on vaccines but also on law enforcement. Uncontrolled movement of animals remains the single biggest threat to the national containment efforts.”


He also reaffirmed the department’s ongoing support for affected farmers. “We recognise the emotional, financial, and operational strain this disease has placed on the sector. We remain committed to doing everything possible to turn this outbreak around and rebuild resilience in the livestock industry. We are also committed to improving our laboratory capacity to ensure that samples collected are analysed quickly and results are communicated timeously.”


The department said that the strengthened response “forms part of the broader agricultural recovery programme and aligns with the minister’s ongoing commitment to safeguard animal health, protect rural economies and ensure long-term biosecurity preparedness.”