New FMD outbreaks in South Africa threaten dairy industry

SOUTH AFRICA – New outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape have raised alarm across South Africa’s dairy sector, prompting urgent calls for stricter biosecurity measures. 

The disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, threatens livestock productivity and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

The Department of Agriculture reported that the ongoing crisis has severely impacted the country’s milk production, with containment efforts intensifying to prevent further economic fallout. 

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), KZN has recorded 165 FMD outbreaks, 147 of which are still active, while the Eastern Cape has reported 40 cases, 39 of which remain unresolved.

The outbreaks have struck at the heart of South Africa’s dairy regions. The Eastern Cape, home to nearly a third of the nation’s dairy herd, is grappling with the impact, while KZN, which accounts for 29% of the country’s milk-producing cattle, is also facing significant losses.

A report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights that the outbreak, first detected in May 2024, has dealt a severe blow to dairy farmers, many of whom rely on milk sales for their livelihoods. 

In response, the Department of Agriculture expanded the Disease Management Area (DMA) in KZN on March 17, 2025, urging farmers to restrict animal movements and adhere to health protocols. 

Ministry spokesperson Joylene Van Wyk emphasised the need for collective action, stating that “full compliance could reduce the viral load within 28 days.”

In the Eastern Cape, authorities have ramped up quarantine measures and vaccinations, with nearly 97,000 cattle vaccinated since last year. Despite these efforts, the discovery of a new outbreak in Bergville, outside KZN’s DMA, has heightened fears of further spread.

As milk production declines and export markets remain uncertain, dairy farmers are bearing the strain. If the disease is not contained, South Africa’s crucial red meat and dairy exports could face potential bans. 

While the Ministry has reassured the public that meat from affected farms is safe for local consumption, certification issues continue to block exports. This has left farmers, such as Eastern Cape dairy producer Sipho Mkhize, struggling.

 “We’re losing income daily, and the restrictions make it hard to plan ahead,” he said.

According to a report from Farmer’s Weekly, vaccination campaigns and surveillance efforts are ongoing, particularly near game reserves where buffalo, known FMD carriers, pose a continued risk. 

The Department has commended farmers and veterinarians for their cooperation but warned that vigilance remains critical.

There is cautious optimism with no new cases reported in the Eastern Cape since September 2024. However, as biosecurity measures tighten nationwide, the dairy industry braces for a slow and challenging recovery.

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