Gauteng’s agriculture department has reported that the province recorded a 96.34% decline in new Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.
Cases dropped from 166 between October 2025 and January 2026, to just six between June and August this year.
The sharp decline follows the implementation of the Gauteng Provincial FMD Rapid Response Approach, led by Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
Earlier this year, the provincial government established a sub-committee to strengthen co-operation between government departments and contain the spread of the disease.
Between February and August, more than 542 000 animals were vaccinated across Gauteng.
These included cattle in feedlots, dairy farms, communal herds and commercial beef herds.
The provincial government said 94% of the cattle herd outside feedlots has received an initial FMD vaccination.
“Importantly, 94% of the cattle herd outside feedlots has received an initial FMD vaccination, exceeding the 80% coverage generally targeted to support strong herd immunity.
“All cattle in Gauteng’s dairy farms have also received a second, booster vaccination,” the department said.
The province said it was making significant progress in recovering from the outbreak.
Of the 308 herds confirmed to have been infected with FMD since April 2025, 176 or 57% had been cleared from quarantine by September.
This follows clinical inspections that found no evidence of circulating FMD virus.
The department has urged livestock owners to continue practising strict biosecurity measures, monitor their animals, and immediately report any suspected cases of FMD to their local state veterinarian.
Jacaranda FM
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