FMD | New outbreaks confirmed in Free State; over 2 million animals vaccinated

The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs confirmed on 11 April that 10 new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been reported in the province.

By Maile Matsimela and Michelle van der Spuy

The department says the total now stands at 433 outbreaks in the Free State. However, according to the national Department of Agriculture, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed 328 cases. So far this year, the Free State has received 395 000 doses of vaccine and 312 414 cattle have been vaccinated.

According to the Free State department, there has been an increase in the number of farmers not reporting suspected cases of FMD. This is not only a criminal offence but also clouds the true situation on the ground and makes it difficult to plan vaccination campaigns. A further concern for the department is that some farmers are no longer applying biosecurity measures, which exacerbates the spread of FMD to surrounding farms.

“All farmers are reminded that in terms of Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), every owner of animals is responsible for taking all reasonable steps to prevent the outbreak and spread of controlled diseases.”

Also read: FMD | Botswana announces new outbreak among ‘elite’ cattle, this time close to SA

John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, and Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, led a ministerial outreach campaign for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination in Katlehong, East Rand, Johannesburg today. Photo: Lebogang Mashala — John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, and Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, led a ministerial outreach campaign for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination in Katlehong, East Rand, Johannesburg. Photo: Lebogang Mashala

Mass vaccination strategy: 2 million animals already vaccinated

Meanwhile the Department of Agriculture announced yesterday (15 April) that over 2 million animals have been vaccinated in South Africa’s fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with Minister John Steenhuisen reporting that early data shows the mass vaccination strategy is yielding positive results.

According to a media statement, the most significant development is that no new breakthroughs have been reported in already vaccinated herds. The department said this milestone suggests the vaccination programme is effectively protecting livestock across the country.

The statement revealed that from February to 26 March 2026, provincial veterinary services successfully vaccinated 2 033 289 animals as part of a risk-based rollout strategy prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible animals.

Also read: Corporate partnership joins fight against the FMD crisis with mobile vaccination vehicle

Vaccine Supply Ramping Up

Department figures show South Africa has received 4 million vaccine doses to date, including 2.5 million doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and 1.5 million from Dollvet in Türkiye.

The statement said additional supplies are on the way, with 2 million more doses expected from Dollvet by the end of April 2026. According to the department, a massive order of 5 million doses has been placed with Biogénesis Bagó through Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), with 3.5 million of these doses expected before the end of April.

Also read: FMD | Next batch of ARC’s locally produced vaccines signals rise in production

Dairy Sector Gets Priority Protection

Minister Steenhuisen announced the dairy industry has received special attention in the vaccination rollout. The statement said all recorded dairies in the Free State have been vaccinated, whilst all major dairy operations in the Western Cape have been attended to.

According to the department, over 78 000 doses have been provided to the Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) in the Eastern Cape, whilst the MPO in KwaZulu-Natal has received 350 000 doses.

During the fifth nationwide mass vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, more than 650 communal cattle were vaccinated with the Aftodoll oil vaccine manufactured by Dollvet. Photo: Lebogang Mashala

Disease Spread Across All Nine Provinces

Department statistics show that as of 10 April 2026, a total of 1 317 FMD cases have been recorded across all nine provinces. According to the figures, the Free State has been hardest hit with 328 cases, followed by North West (247), Gauteng (241) and KwaZulu-Natal (225).

The department said Mpumalanga recorded 140 cases, Limpopo 49 cases, Eastern Cape 71 cases, Western Cape 13, and Northern Cape just 3 cases.

The statistics further noted that increased numbers are partly due to improved surveillance and detection systems, including identification of sub-clinical cases.

Also read: Communal farmers have their say as FMD vaccination drive reaches SA-Botswana border

New Vaccination Scheme on the Horizon

Minister Steenhuisen announced plans to publish the Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD (RVS-FMD) under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act. According to the statement, the intention was announced on 10 April 2026, with public comments closing tomorrow, 17 April 2026. The final scheme is envisaged for publication on 24 April 2026.

Also read: Limpopo ramps up FMD vaccination efforts amid Kruger border threats

Improved Surveillance Yields Results

The department said the vaccination programme’s success has been complemented by enhanced surveillance measures and a centralised reporting system managed by the FMD Command Centre.

According to the statement, this improved detection capability has allowed for more accurate tracking of the disease’s spread and intervention effectiveness.

For submissions regarding the RVS-FMD, contact Dr EM Mogajane at the FMD Command Centre: FMDcommandcent@nda.gov.za