The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has vaccinated more than 1.3 million animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) since the mass campaign began in March, the provincial department reported on Thursday. The programme has so far reached over 80% of the province’s target herd, officials said, providing a measure of relief to a livestock sector under pressure from ongoing outbreaks.
Progress, but outbreaks persist
While the vaccination effort has helped curb the spread of the disease and allowed some movement towards normal trading activities, the department cautioned that the outbreak is not over. There are currently 333 confirmed active cases in the province, according to the statement, although 146 cases have been closed following containment measures in areas including parts of Molopo, Rustenburg and Mahikeng.
The scale of the vaccination drive and the continuing presence of active infections mean farmers, meat processors and traders must still operate under heightened biosecurity and veterinary controls. Continued outbreaks can restrict livestock movement, reduce market access and increase production costs across the value chain.
What the numbers show
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Animals vaccinated | 1.3 million+ |
| Share of target herd reached | 80%+ |
| Active confirmed cases | 333 |
| Cases closed | 146 |
Implications for farmers and local economies
Representatives of the agricultural sector have said the vaccination campaign has restored some confidence among cattle and small-stock farmers in the province, where livestock farming supports livelihoods and local markets. However, the financial burden of increased vaccination, veterinary services and enhanced biosecurity is real, particularly for smallholders who already operate on thin margins.
Farmers must continue to comply with movement controls and veterinary inspections or risk further restrictions. The department emphasised cooperation between government, farmers and industry stakeholders as essential to protect the province’s agricultural economy and food supply.
- Keep records of all vaccinated animals and present certificates when required.
- Report any suspicious symptoms immediately to your local veterinary office.
- Restrict movement of animals and vehicles onto and off farms until veterinary clearance is given.
- Maintain on-farm biosecurity: limit visitors, disinfect equipment and isolate new stock.
Where containment has seen results
The closure of 146 cases in parts of Molopo, Rustenburg and Mahikeng shows containment can work when vaccination is paired with movement controls and farmer cooperation. Those areas may serve as models for rapid response, but officials warned that complacency would risk renewed spread to other districts.
For rural communities, the cowherd and small-stock flocks are not only sources of income but also of food security. Any prolonged disruption to sales or slaughtering can have ripple effects on household finances and local food prices.
What to expect next
The department is expected to continue the vaccination roll-out and monitoring activities until the target herd coverage is achieved and active infections decline. Officials have not provided a firm date for the campaign’s conclusion, instead urging farmers to remain vigilant and to work with veterinary teams during follow-up visits.
In the meantime, provincial authorities and industry stakeholders will need to coordinate funding, logistics and farmer outreach to ensure the final phase of the campaign reaches remaining pockets of unvaccinated animals and isolates persistent chains of transmission.
Contact details for local veterinary offices and updated movement rules are usually published by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; farmers are advised to consult their nearest office or official provincial communications for the latest instructions.
