The declaration of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address has been described by Free State Agriculture (FSA) as a pivotal moment for South Africa’s livestock sector.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
But while the announcement signals urgency at national level, farmers are now looking for swift, coordinated implementation on the ground.
FSA says it is already developing a practical, province-wide implementation plan to support producers and coordinate action through its local and district structures.
“Every farmer just wants to protect his cows,” said Friedl von Maltitz, Vice-President of Free State Agriculture. “The disaster declaration places the responsibility squarely on all three spheres – government, communities and farmers – to do everything possible to prevent the further spread of the disease.”
The declaration, signed on 5 February 2026, calls on all organs of state to strengthen support to existing structures and ensure appropriate contingency measures are implemented. FSA maintains that this must include structured collaboration with organised agriculture and local farmers’ associations.
Also read: FMD a national disaster, but vaccines must be centrally controlled – Ramaphosa
Farmers’ associations at the frontline
According to FSA, local farmers’ associations will play an indispensable role in managing the crisis at grassroots level. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and communicating biosecurity measures, best practices and livestock movement controls.
- Assisting with the establishment of biosecurity checkpoints where necessary.
- Facilitating communication between farmers, veterinarians and authorities.
- Countering misinformation and divisive rumours.
- Providing leadership and reassurance to affected members.
In a climate of heightened uncertainty, FSA argues that structured local coordination is essential to prevent panic and limit further spread.
Immediate steps for producers
While further details on vaccine procurement and distribution are still awaited, FSA is urging farmers not to delay preventative measures. Producers are advised to:
- Enforce strict livestock movement control.
- Strengthen on-farm biosecurity protocols immediately.
- Report any suspected cases without delay to a veterinarian.
“What the farmer wants to know is how the vaccine will reach his farm and what he needs to do from his side,” said Von Maltitz. “Clarity and speed are now critical.”
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Call for clarity and coordination
FSA emphasises that clear allocation of responsibilities in the procurement, distribution and administration of vaccines is crucial.
The organisation has called for an urgent meeting with provincial government departments and key stakeholders to establish practical implementation mechanisms. It also expressed disappointment that the Department of Agriculture cancelled a scheduled Joint Operations Committee (JOC) meeting at short notice, where clarity and direction were expected.
Without coordinated action and transparent communication, FSA warns that producer confidence will continue to be undermined.
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