The fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has gained momentum in Limpopo, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joining Limpopo Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Nakedi Kekana this week to support a mass vaccination campaign.
By Montsho Matlala
Their visit to ZZ2’s Kareebosch farm outside Polokwane in the Capricorn District on 16 March highlighted the urgency of containing the highly contagious disease, which threatens cloven-hoofed animals and the broader red meat value chain.
MEC Kekana revealed that more than 73 000 animals have already been vaccinated across the province, a figure expected to rise steadily as the campaign progresses.
“Of these, 58% (42 507 animals) belong to communal farmers, 35% (25 667) to the commercial sector and 7% (4 900) to emerging farmers,” she said.
National Strategy Targets 80% Coverage
Steenhuisen welcomed the progress, emphasising that controlling FMD requires a coordinated effort across the agricultural sector.
“Our vaccination strategy is to get ahead of this disease rather than chasing it throughout the country,” he said, adding that the national goal is to vaccinate at least 80% of at-risk livestock.
He noted that the strategy includes rebuilding South Africa’s biosecurity systems through collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and other public and private partners.
International cooperation is also being strengthened. Steenhuisen pointed to a recent joint declaration of intent with Germany aimed at improving FMD control and safeguarding trade in animal products.
He further welcomed the appointment of Dr Emily Mogajane as chief director of biosecurity coordination, expressing confidence in her role in advancing disease control efforts.
Steenhuisen stressed that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and employment in South Africa, warning that FMD poses a serious threat to the sector.
“Agriculture is a major employer and contributor to economic growth – it deserves strong protection,” he said.
He added that controlling the outbreak is critical to safeguarding livelihoods across the red meat industry and the broader agricultural value chain.
Despite encouraging progress, biosecurity threats persist, particularly along South Africa’s borders.
As a frontline province bordering Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique, Limpopo remains vulnerable to cross-border transmission.
Steenhuisen also raised concerns about damaged fencing at the Kruger National Park, where interactions between wildlife and livestock increase infection risks.
“A growing elephant population has damaged sections of the fence, allowing buffalo – known carriers of FMD – to mix with livestock,” he said.
He added that he is engaging with Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, to address the issue through a full assessment of the park’s fencing infrastructure.
Also read: FMD awareness | What consumers and farmers need to know about meat safety
Limpopo at the Frontline of the Outbreak
MEC Kekana described Limpopo as South Africa’s “gateway” for biosecurity, noting that the province is currently facing a volatile situation.
Limpopo has recorded 34 laboratory-confirmed cases and 177 suspected cases awaiting results, mainly in the Waterberg, Vhembe and Capricorn districts.
“By protecting Limpopo, we are protecting the entire South African livestock economy,” Steenhuisen said.
Farmers Highlight On-farm Realities
At the host farm, ZZ2 CEO Tommie van Zyl reported that 70 young bulls, including Nguni, Pinzgauer and PinZ²yl breeds, showed symptoms of FMD in February.
The animals were treated with daily copper sulphate footbaths and proper nutrition, with recovery observed within weeks.
“The Nguni recovered more quickly than the other breeds,” Van Zyl noted.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between government, veterinarians and the private sector in managing disease outbreaks.
The affected bulls, part of an ARC bull testing scheme, were among those vaccinated during the campaign.
Vaccination Campaign to Extend into Next Year
According to Dipepeneneng Serage, Deputy Director General for Agricultural Production, Health and Food Safety, vaccination numbers are expected to increase weekly.
“The intention is to vaccinate 80% of livestock at risk. In Limpopo, this target should be reached by December, followed by similar rollouts in other provinces,” he said.
The nationwide vaccination campaign is expected to conclude by the end of next year, after which booster vaccinations will be introduced.
Also read: Urgent FMD vaccinations arrive in the Western Cape
Vaccine Supply Boosts Confidence
MEC Kekana said the arrival of high-potency vaccine doses from Argentina has been a game-changer in accelerating the programme.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to protect both communal and commercial herds and to prevent a catastrophic spillover into other provinces,” she said.
With sustained vaccine supply and strong collaboration among stakeholders, both MEC Kekana and Steenhuisen expressed confidence that Limpopo can contain the current outbreak and support South Africa’s efforts to regain its FMD-free status.
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