The Northern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed the first case of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the province, with Premier Dr. Zamani Saul announcing the development on 11 February.
The outbreak was first detected when the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform’s (DAERL) Veterinary Services received notification of a suspected FMD case on a farm in Kuruman, John Taolo Gaetsewe District, on Saturday, 7 February. Provincial authorities responded immediately, dispatching an official to inspect and sample affected animals while placing the farm under quarantine.
Samples were sent to the Onderstepoort Laboratory on Sunday, 8 February, with positive results confirmed on 10 February.
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Understanding the Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease spreads rapidly through direct animal contact and indirectly through contaminated vehicles, equipment, feed, clothing, and people moving between farms.
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Key symptoms include:
- Blisters or sores on the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Blisters on hooves and between toes
- Excessive drooling, lameness and difficulty walking
- Fever and loss of appetite
- Sudden drop in milk production
Economic Impact and Response Measures
An FMD outbreak triggers immediate livestock movement restrictions, disrupts auctions and abattoirs and threatens export markets. These impacts extend beyond farmers to affect transporters, processors and the broader rural economy.
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The Provincial Department has activated strict prevention, early detection and rapid containment measures. The first batch of FMD vaccines has been collected in line with national disease control protocols, with MEC Lebogang Motlhaping delivering the consignment to Kuruman for targeted outbreak containment.
Public Appeals and Cooperation
The Provincial Government urges all farmers, livestock owners and communities to:
- Immediately report any FMD signs, including fever, salivation, lameness or mouth lesions.
- Cooperate fully with Veterinary Services officials during inspections, sampling and vaccination.
- Refrain from moving cattle, sheep, goats or pigs without Department permission.
- Implement strict biosecurity measures, including limiting farm visitors and disinfecting vehicles and equipment.
Also read: FMD outbreaks reshape economic outlook for South Africa’s livestock sector
Stakeholder Coordination
The department says MEC Lebogang Motlhaping convened a meeting with farmers’ unions and key industry stakeholders to formally communicate the suspected case, outline immediate response measures and establish a coordinated approach to protect the Province’s livestock sector.
The Provincial Government continues working closely with the National Department of Agriculture, farmers’ unions, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure swift outbreak containment.
Public Health and Economic Considerations
While FMD does not pose risks to human health, it carries serious economic implications for farmers and the livestock sector. Provincial authorities emphasise that full cooperation from all role players is essential to bring the outbreak under control.
Regular updates will be provided as investigations and response measures progress.
Also read:
FMD | What to do while we wait for vaccines
FMD | ‘Right, John… Let’s get to work’
FMD | ‘It’s here. We’re doing what we can to delay its spread’ – Mayor Pappas
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