By Gauteng’s livestock sector has taken a decisive step toward recovery following a dramatic 96.34% reduction in new Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks. New recorded cases in the province dropped to just six between June and August 2026, down from a peak of 166 reported between October 2025 and January 2026.
The rapid containment of the virus follows the deployment of the Gauteng Provincial FMD Rapid Response Approach, driven by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa. Backed by additional provincial funding for field personnel, disease control infrastructure, and targeted vaccination programs, the intervention has significantly stabilized the local agricultural economy.
Strategic Vaccination Drives Herd Immunity
Aggressive vaccination strategies have served as the core driver behind the decline in infections. Between February and August 2026, provincial authorities administered 542,577 doses across commercial beef herds, dairy operations, feedlots, and communal pastures.
Coverage metrics indicate that the intervention has successfully surpassed critical epidemiological thresholds:
- Non-Feedlot Herd Coverage: 94% of cattle outside feedlots have received an initial FMD dose, outperforming the standard 80% coverage benchmark needed for herd immunity.
- Dairy Sector Protection: 100% of cattle across Gauteng dairy farms have successfully received a second booster vaccination.
Quarantine Clearances Offer Relief to Farmers
The sharp drop in transmission rates is easing operational burdens across the agricultural value chain. Out of 308 herds confirmed to have been infected since the initial outbreak in April 2025, 176 (57%) have cleared clinical inspections showing no evidence of circulating virus and have been released from quarantine.
MEC Ramokgopa commended the collective efforts of state agencies and commercial and communal livestock keepers in curbing the spread.
“A 96% reduction in new outbreaks is a significant achievement and shows that our collective efforts are working,” said Ramokgopa. “But we cannot afford to become complacent. FMD remains a serious threat, and we must maintain high vaccination coverage, strong biosecurity and vigilant disease surveillance.”
Sustaining Vigilance
Despite the measurable recovery, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) emphasizes that ongoing biosecurity protocols remain vital to prevent re-infection. Livestock owners are urged to enforce strict movement controls, continuously monitor herd health, and immediately report any suspected symptoms to local State Veterinarians.
Continued collaboration between private livestock producers and state veterinary services will remain central to keeping the virus under control and protecting the economic resilience of the region’s agricultural industry.
