South Africa’s battle against Foot and Mouth Disease: Progress and challenges

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said that they are making progress in addressing the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Steenhuisen, in a statement on Monday, said that the FMD) situation in the country remains a matter of great concern.

“T am pleased to report that the outbreaks which afflicted the Eastern Cape in 2024 have not resurfaced in 2025. The last outbreak in the Eastern Cape occurred in September 2024. Following extensive surveillance in and around the affected areas, the Disease Management Area (DMA) was lifted on 4 July 2025)” added Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen said that the affected farms in the Humansdorp and East London areas remain under quarantine, following the lifting of restrictions, and are undergoing final testing to confirm the absence of the FMD virus. “The results to date are encouraging. I wish to express my gratitude to every individual and institution who contributed to resolving these outbreaks.”