Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to look into the regional approach to combating the Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

Steenhuisen has confirmed that there’s a unique challenge of cross border infections with other provinces and countries.

Steenhuisen and Free State MEC for Agriculture, Elsabe Rockman engaged with various farming stakeholders outside Bloemfontein in the Free State.

#FMDVaccinationDrive | Free State Turning Vaccines into Protection

The Free State has received 200 000 doses of Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, with more than 76 000 doses already distributed to dairy farms, positive farms, and identified high-risk areas.

This rapid… pic.twitter.com/e3kUUWFVJu

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) March 2, 2026

The province has been hit hard by the outbreak.

The Minister is concerned about outbreaks in Lesotho and eSwatini spreading into South Africa.

#SONA2026 Highlights | FMD IN FOCUS #GovZAUpdates South Africa is stepping up the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

A targeted national strategy is underway to contain transmission and significantly reduce FMD cases within the next two to three years, protecting… pic.twitter.com/ILdvbdR6BD

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) March 2, 2026

“President at Cabinet last week has authorised an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) which will include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Home Affairs who manage the Border Management Agency, The Department limit to National Relations and the Department of Defence to call an urgent SADAC meeting to deal with the issue of how we have regionalised approach to dealing with FMD.”

VIDEO | Foot and Mouth disease | Steenhuisen receives first batch of foot and mouth vaccines:

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