Gauteng has recorded a sharp decline in new Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks after a province‑wide rapid response and vaccination campaign, provincial authorities said on Thursday.
Rapid response, wide coverage
The provincial agriculture department reported that new confirmed FMD outbreaks dropped by 96.34%, from 166 cases recorded between October 2025 and January 2026 to just six between June and August 2026. The fall follows the roll‑out of the Gauteng Provincial FMD Rapid Response Approach, led by Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
The department said a sub‑committee was established earlier this year to improve co‑ordination between government departments and to contain the spread of the disease. Between February and August, more than 542 000 animals in the province received FMD vaccinations. Vaccination targeted a range of herd types, including animals in feedlots, dairy farms, communal herds and commercial beef herds.
"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," the department said.
Progress on clearance and quarantine
Of the 308 herds confirmed infected since April 2025, 176 (57%) had been cleared from quarantine by September following clinical inspections that found no evidence of circulating FMD virus, the department reported. All cattle on Gauteng’s dairy farms have received a second, booster vaccination, the statement added.
Provincial officials described the results as a sign of rapid progress in recovering from the outbreak, but they urged vigilance. Livestock owners have been told to continue strict biosecurity measures, monitor animals closely and immediately report any suspected cases to their local state veterinarian.
What this means for farmers and consumers
For commercial producers and dairy farmers, the widened vaccination coverage is intended to reduce the likelihood of fresh outbreaks that could force movement restrictions, slaughter orders or disruptions to markets. Communal and smallholder farmers — who often keep herds with lower veterinary access — were included in the campaign, which officials say helped raise overall herd immunity.
- Vaccination coverage: 94% of cattle outside feedlots received an initial vaccine.
- Animals vaccinated: More than 542 000 animals vaccinated across the province.
- Herds cleared: 176 of 308 infected herds cleared from quarantine as of September.
How the campaign was implemented
The department pointed to the Rapid Response Approach as central to the recovery. That strategy included the creation of a co‑ordinating sub‑committee that brought together provincial departments and municipal veterinary services to accelerate vaccination, surveillance and quarantine management. Clinical inspections and testing were used to confirm when premises could be released from quarantine.
Provincial vaccination of animals in high‑risk settings — feedlots and dairy farms — was prioritised, while outreach efforts aimed to reach communal and commercial beef herds. The department said this mix of targeted and broad vaccination helped it exceed the typical target of 80% coverage considered necessary for strong herd immunity.
Remaining risks and practical advice
Veterinary authorities warned that FMD can spread rapidly where biosecurity is weak. They advised farmers to take specific steps to reduce risk, including limiting movement of animals, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, isolating new or sick animals, and reporting suspicious lesions or lameness without delay.
State veterinarians remain the first point of contact for suspected disease and for advice on compliance with movement controls and vaccination programmes. Authorities said police and agricultural inspectors would continue to support enforcement where required.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| New outbreaks (Oct 2025–Jan 2026) | 166 |
| New outbreaks (Jun–Aug 2026) | 6 |
| Animals vaccinated (Feb–Aug 2026) | 542 000+ |
| Herds confirmed infected since Apr 2025 | 308 |
| Herds cleared from quarantine (by Sep) | 176 (57%) |
Outlook
Officials portrayed the decline in new outbreaks as evidence that coordinated action and mass vaccination can bring a fast moving FMD outbreak under control. However, the department’s continued appeals for ongoing biosecurity, surveillance and immediate reporting underline that the threat is not yet eliminated. Farmers in Gauteng will be watching whether the low case numbers are sustained into the summer months, when animal movements and environmental conditions can change risk patterns.
Local state veterinarians and municipal agriculture offices remain the frontline contact points for farmers who need testing, vaccination or guidance on quarantine and movement controls.
Reporting from Johannesburg.
