Steenhuisen urges vigilance as FMD threat persists

April 2, 2026 216

As many South Africans travel for the Easter weekend, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has warned farmers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and prevent any further spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Steenhuisen cautioned that the increased livestock movement during holiday periods significantly heightens the risk of transmission.

“These types of holidays also pose a risk to our biosecurity, especially as we’re in the midst of an important fight against foot and mouth disease in South Africa,” Steenhuisen said.

The minister has urged all role players in the agricultural sector – including farmers, livestock transporters, auction houses, feedlots and cattle owners – to exercise maximum responsibility.

“We know that these holiday periods are associated with a greater movement of animals. And I’m really urging everybody to exercise maximum responsibility when it comes to biosecurity to ensure that we do not contribute to the further spread of foot and mouth disease in South Africa,” Steenhuisen added.

#EasterMessage🎥🎥 | United for Biosecurity: Protecting Our Herd, Securing Our Future🇿🇦

As South Africa intensifies the fight against Foot and mouth disease (FMD), Minister John Steenhuisen calls on the entire agricultural sector to stand united and prioritise biosecurity,… pic.twitter.com/hGAFittsOq

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

Meanwhile, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has ramped up efforts by releasing 20,000 locally produced vaccine doses to support the national response.

The Department says that more than 1.7 million animals have been vaccinated since February, supported by both local production and imports from countries like Argentina and Turkey.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of the outbreak as a national disaster, aimed at strengthening containment measures.

An additional 3.5 million doses are expected in April, as government works towards an 80% coverage target by year-end.

Despite these interventions, Steenhuisen has urged farmers to strengthen on-farm biosecurity measures, maintain accurate animal identification and movement records, report any suspected cases immediately, and cooperate fully with veterinary and law enforcement officials.

He also called on everyone involved in the livestock industry, including visitors to agricultural spaces, to act responsibly to protect both the sector and the country’s food security.

[Media Statement📄]
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) confirms the release of 20 000 doses of locally produced Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine to support ongoing vaccination efforts and strengthen animal health across the country.

🔗https://t.co/wKtvaR6Apx… pic.twitter.com/xv0GEORDIW

— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) April 1, 2026