By Maile Matsimela
South Africa is still battling the current wave of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, which began in May with the detection of FMD in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal. Since then, the disease has spread to multiple provinces, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
On 16 June 2025, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the detection of FMD in the province, marking another concerning development in South Africa’s battle against this highly contagious disease.
The outbreak was confirmed in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, specifically within the JB Marks Local Municipality. According to the media statement released by the department, the disease was initially detected when a private veterinarian observed suspicious clinical signs on a farm. Samples collected by the State Veterinarian were sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) for testing, which confirmed the presence of the FMD virus.
Simultaneously, a second incident was detected at an abattoir in Madibeng and was traced back to a feedlot in Ventersdorp. In this case, clinical signs were missed during the ante-mortem inspection but were later detected on the slaughter line. Laboratory testing identified the presence of two virus types – SAT 2 and SAT 3 – confirming the disease’s presence.
In response to these confirmed cases, the North West Department of Agriculture has implemented several critical containment measures:
- Quarantine: Both farms linked to the outbreak have been placed under strict quarantine, prohibiting the movement of animals and animal products from these locations.
- Tracing and testing: Farms connected to a related Gauteng outbreak have also been quarantined as a precautionary measure, with ongoing sample testing to confirm their infection status.
- Movement control: The animals involved in the abattoir case were returned to their farm of origin under a Red Cross permit to prevent further spread.
- Public awareness: The department has issued guidelines urging farmers and the public to report any suspected FMD cases to local State Veterinarians immediately.
The North West outbreak appears to have links to the recent FMD cases in Gauteng province, although specific details of this connection are still being investigated. The media statement indicates farms connected to the Gauteng outbreak are under precautionary quarantine, suggesting potential movement of infected animals between the provinces.
The Gauteng outbreak, which affected one of the world’s largest feedlots, has been a significant concern for South African authorities. Animals purchased at various auctions, including one in Heidelberg, have been implicated in the spread of the disease to this region.
The economic implications of these FMD outbreaks are substantial for South Africa. The livestock and poultry industries account for nearly half of the country’s agricultural economy, with the beef industry particularly vulnerable to FMD-related disruptions.
The loss of South Africa’s FMD-free status has restricted exports of red meat and related products to many international markets. Countries such as China have suspended imports from South Africa due to these outbreaks, resulting in estimated losses exceeding $100 million in export revenue.
For the North West province, which has a significant agricultural sector, these new cases pose a threat to local farmers and the broader provincial economy. The restrictions on animal movement and potential export limitations could have cascading effects throughout the agricultural value chain.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals. The disease is characterised by:
- Fever
- Lameness
- Vesicles/sores in the mouth, on feet and on teats
While FMD rarely affects humans, it can devastate livestock populations and cause significant economic losses due to decreased production, treatment costs and trade restrictions.
Also read:
FMD now in all Karan Beef feedlots
FMD: SA can learn from Brazil’s efforts in becoming FMD-free
