Current FMD Cases

Free State

• Active outbreaks continue in the in Parys/ Vredefort area.
• A stud farm has been confirmed in the area of a feedlot previously infected

Gauteng

• New cases have been identified since the last report.

KwaZulu-Natal

• Communal cattle in the Kokstad area have been vaccinated.
• Preventive vaccination was approved in the Estcourt area.

Mpumalanga

• Eight further cases have been identified in the same areas previously identified: – Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Mkhondo, Dipaleseng, Govan Mbeki, Victor Khanye, Thembisile Hani, Steve Tshwete.

North West

• Cases are being observed in the Derby area

Western Cape

• There is currently no evidence of spread of FMD from the Gouda area in the Western Cape.
• The response of WC veterinary services, farming communities, police, and metro officers has been noteworthy

Ministerial Task Team Press Release

On 6 November, the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) issued a press release outlining its progress in addressing animal disease prevention and control. The team is focusing on six priority areas:

1. Field Services & Epidemiology
2. Diagnostics & Surveillance
3. Vaccination
4. Research
5. Feedlots & Auctions
6. Market Access

The MTT identified three major challenges facing the Department and the sector: limited vaccine availability, delays in diagnostic results, and uncoordinated outbreak management.

To address these, the team is actively exploring alternative suppliers of FMD vaccines, with fast-tracking of imports considered critical to controlling current outbreaks.

Diagnostic delays are receiving urgent attention, as Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute (OVR) remains the only authorised FMD testing facility. The MTT noted that OVR plans to expand its staff and equipment capacity with support from RMIS. Additionally, the team has commissioned a laboratory specialist to explore authorising more facilities to perform FMD diagnostics.

Abattoirs designated for FMD slaughter

Addressing the Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Has FMD become endemic?

A: FMD has not been declared endemic, but it has become widespread and continues to spread due to the movement of infected animals.

This has led many to question whether it’s time to shift from an outbreak containment vaccination policy to a broader, regionally or provincially coordinated vaccination strategy.

Q: What is the progress of imports of vaccines from Turkey?

A: Currently, the suitability of the vaccine is being tested at Onderstepoort’s TAD laboratory. Based on the results, the regulatory process will be finalised so that imports can take place as soon as possible.

Q: What is the current situation at Sparta Beef?

Sparta Beef has confirmed that Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was detected at both its Marquard cattle feeding facility and Alma farm in the Clocolan district, following positive PCR test results on samples collected in early November 2025. In response, Sparta immediately implemented containment measures in line with national veterinary protocols and began vaccinating all cattle at both affected sites under the supervision of Free State Veterinary Services. The company is working closely with government authorities, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and protect South Africa’s livestock sector.

RIFT VALLEY FEVER (RVF):

RVF has been diagnosed in sheep in the Augrabies area. To prevent further spread, vaccination of at-risk animals is strongly advocated. RMIS has contacted OBP to determine current vaccine stock levels and will assist in coordinating the allocation of available vaccine to high-risk areas as a priority. In addition, RMIS is working with local veterinary authorities to monitor the situation closely and ensure that all necessary biosecurity measures are implemented to protect livestock and support affected farmers.