February 20, 2026

South Africa's livestock industry faces worst FMD outbreak in nation's history

South Africa's livestock sector is grappling with the worst outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country's history, the president of the main agricultural association, AgriSA, Johan Kotze, said on March 18.

"We are facing a national crisis," Kotze said on Radio 702, adding that "the situation is worse than ever in our country's history." This highly contagious viral disease has spread widely and prompted authorities to declare a national disaster.

The outbreak has affected almost all nine provinces, with thousands of outbreaks reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health, and farmers have faced severe economic and operational strains as a result. China and several neighbouring countries have imposed bans on South African livestock imports to curb the disease's regional spread.

Authorities have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting the nation's herd of more than 14 million cattle, aiming to achieve "FMD-Free Status with Vaccination." The first consignment of one million high-potency vaccine doses from Argentina has arrived, with millions more expected in the coming weeks, and additional doses supplied by partners in Botswana and Turkey.

Controlled culling of infected animals and strict movement controls remain part of containment efforts, while regional governments and veterinary services work to prevent further spread. South Africa's beef exports have already been severely impacted, with major markets such as China suspending imports amid the crisis.

- Al 24 News