The Gauteng provincial government says it is actively managing 195 laboratory-confirmed Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks, with an estimated 261,000 animals affected across the province as of January 23, 2026.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed the figures on Tuesday, January 27, while announcing a province-wide intervention to curb the spread and impact of the disease.

Lesufi said the outbreak, which has been unfolding for several months, has escalated into a national animal health crisis.

“The Agriculture Ministry is already considering tabling a declaration of a national state of disaster,” he said. 

“Infections are now confirmed across numerous provinces, with Gauteng being one of the hardest hit.”

According to Lesufi, the Gauteng outbreak can be traced to April 2025 in the West Rand municipality. 

Investigations indicate it was likely triggered by the unlawful transport of cattle from an infected zone in KwaZulu-Natal for auction.

“As of 23 January 2026, the province is actively managing 195 lab-confirmed outbreaks. It is estimated that more than 261,000 animals are affected in Gauteng,” he said.

Lesufi warned that the crisis has serious economic and social consequences.

“It disrupts trade, threatens jobs in the livestock sector, and affects the income of small-scale and community farmers,” he said. 

“The stigma associated with FMD also reduces the value of farmers’ assets.”

Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said her department has undertaken extensive work since the outbreak was first detected in the province in 2025.

She said that, as a national logistics hub, Gauteng faces heightened risks from illegal animal movement and vaccine supply constraints. In response, the provincial government adopted an accelerated, multi-stakeholder rapid response model.

“This approach is aligned with the National FMD Strategy but aims for earlier suppression of the virus and a faster progression towards disease freedom in the province,” Ramokgopa said.

She said while the national strategy focuses on regaining FMD-free status under the Animal Diseases Act, Gauteng’s priority is to suppress the virus as quickly as possible, while complying with national legislation and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.

Ramokgopa said the response brings together experts from veterinary science, law enforcement, transport, environmental management and the social sector, including community leaders.

“The strategy prioritises containment, expanded vaccination to improve herd immunity, and clear communication to secure public support and change behaviour,” she said.

Key interventions to date include R16 million allocated from the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme to fund vaccines, diagnostic testing, disinfectants and mobile response units.

According to her, more than 286,000 vaccine doses have already been administered, with a further 90,000 doses expected by the end of March. 

She said all infected farms have been placed under strict quarantine, and new cases are under investigation.

Ramokgopa said the provincial government convened a special one-day Executive Council meeting over the weekend to assess progress and intensify interventions.

The meeting acknowledged the outbreak as a serious threat to the livestock industry, food security and livelihoods, and resolved to significantly scale up existing measures.

Ramokgopa said the special Exco directed the departments of Community Safety, Transport, Environment and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, along with municipalities and the security cluster, to formally join the Gauteng FMD rapid response.

“These departments will ensure operational coordination, enforcement and information sharing,” she said.

The Department of Transport and the security cluster have been instructed to establish roadblocks, checkpoints and route controls in identified high-risk areas, including access routes near Dinokeng, where disease-free buffalo and other biodiversity assets are at risk.

She said Cogta will coordinate intergovernmental forums to ensure municipalities activate their structures to support national and provincial interventions. 

Departments will also integrate existing systems and technologies to improve the tracking of vehicles and livestock.

Ramokgopa said a comprehensive communications strategy will be rolled out to keep stakeholders informed, counter misinformation and ensure public understanding of the coordinated response.

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and provincial veterinary services will continue farmer engagement sessions across the province. 

She said consultations will also include auctioneers and other key stakeholders involved in interprovincial livestock movement.

IOL News

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