Foot and Mouth Disease Crisis and South Africa’s Vaccine Response Strategy
Farmers Magazine | 12.02.2026 13:53
Foot and Mouth Disease, known as FMD, is one of the most contagious viral diseases affecting cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The virus spreads rapidly within herds and across regions, often through direct contact, contaminated equipment and animal movement. Even when animals recover, farmers face sharp production losses due to reduced milk yield, weight loss and fertility problems. Movement restrictions imposed during outbreaks disrupt auctions, feed supply chains and abattoir operations. The economic cost extends beyond farms, affecting export markets and national trade, which makes FMD a major threat to South Africa’s livestock industry.
