The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, joined the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, and Botswana’s Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Onneetse Ramogapi, for the fifth nationwide mass vaccination rollout against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on Tuesday in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
The vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) forms part of government’s broader effort to contain the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease, which poses a serious threat to livestock production and the agricultural economy.
The vaccination drive took place in Swartkopfontein, where more than 650 communal cattle were vaccinated using the Aftodoll oil vaccine manufactured by Dollvet.
The campaign focused strongly on communal livestock farmers, particularly those in border areas where controlling animal movement is difficult and the risk of disease transmission is high.
Swartkopfontein falls within the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, one of several communities along the South Africa-Botswana border where farmers frequently lose livestock due to cross-border animal movement.
Farmers in the area said stray cattle that cross into Botswana are often killed by authorities or residents as part of efforts to prevent the spread of FMD.
The situation has been exacerbated by deteriorating border fencing, which allows livestock to move freely between the two countries. This has also created opportunities for cross-border stock theft and disputes between neighbouring farming communities.
Also read: FMD | Botswana announces new outbreak among ‘elite’ cattle, this time close to SA
Farmers Call for Stronger Border Protection
Following the vaccination campaign, Steenhuisen and Sambatha held an engagement with farmers from the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, where farmers raised concerns about livestock losses along the border.
Farmers reported that cattle often stray across the border into Botswana and are subsequently killed, resulting in significant financial losses. They also highlighted the growing problem of stock theft in the area, with animals frequently stolen from South African farms and driven into Botswana.
They called on government to prioritise the repair and construction of border fences and to strengthen security along the border to prevent livestock from crossing into neighbouring territory.
Also read: How one young farmer managed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on his livestock farm
Cross-border Cooperation on Disease Control
Steenhuisen said he had constructive discussions with his Botswana counterpart on strengthening cooperation to manage the disease risk in the border region.
According to the minister, both countries are exploring the creation of a buffer zone supported by a coordinated vaccination strategy.
“Prioritising communal areas is important to this strategy, as farmers have very few options when it comes to isolating animals,” Steenhuisen said.
“Targeting these areas and ensuring we vaccinate all animals as quickly as possible is the only way to get ahead of the disease.”
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed significant progress has already been made in the province’s vaccination programme.
Of the 150 000 vaccine doses allocated to the province, 129 808 doses have been administered, representing 86% utilisation.
Authorities emphasised that additional vaccine consignments are expected soon, which will allow the department to extend vaccination coverage and strengthen disease control measures across affected areas.
Spread of FMD Across the Province
To date, 210 confirmed cases of FMD have been reported across municipalities in the province. The majority involve cattle, with 206 cases recorded, while three cases have been reported in pigs and one in goats.
The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality recorded the highest number of cases with 62 animals affected, followed by Bojanala Platinum District Municipality with 59 cases.
In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, 49 animals were affected, while the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality recorded 40 cases.
These figures highlight the widespread nature of the outbreak and underscore the urgency of continued vaccination and vigilance.
Nationally, more than 1.7 million cattle have been vaccinated since February 2026, marking significant progress in the fight against FMD.
The recent arrival of 1.5 million vaccine doses from the Argentine biotechnology company Biogénesis Bagó has further strengthened the national vaccination campaign, with additional consignments expected soon.
Steenhuisen said a further six million doses from Dollvet are expected next week, followed by another five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó before the end of April.
“We are also finalising the hiring of about 300 animal health technicians, who are expected to hit the ground running to assist state and private veterinarians in the rollout,” he said.
“Together, we are strengthening biosecurity, protecting livelihoods and securing South Africa’s agricultural future.”
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Farmers Urged to Remain Vigilant
The department has encouraged farmers to use permanent ear tags with unique identification numbers to help speed up the identification and vaccination of animals.
Farmers and stakeholders are also urged to report any suspected cases of FMD immediately to veterinarians or animal health technicians.
MEC Sambatha thanked farmers for their patience and cooperation during the outbreak.
He assured producers that every effort is being made to ensure every farmer and every animal is covered as additional vaccine doses arrive.
“Our department remains committed to working hand in hand with farmers and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and protect livelihoods across the province,” he said.
Also read:
Millions more vaccine doses approved to boost SA’s fight against FMD
New court action delays FMD disease control measures
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