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The Eastern Cape government has approved R55 million in emergency funding to respond to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the province.
The funding follows the classification of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as a national disaster on 13 February 2026. As a result, the Provincial Treasury has authorised urgent spending to support containment measures and protect the livestock sector.
What is happening?
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has approved R55 million in emergency funding to respond to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
The national disaster was declared by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre on 13 February 2026 under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act.
Following this, Eastern Cape Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko authorised the emergency allocation under Section 25(1) of the Public Finance Management Act.
The funding will go to the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture to support vaccine procurement, disease control interventions and operational costs.
The emergency allocation will also be incorporated into the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework budget to be tabled in March 2026.
Why it matters to you
Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Therefore, the outbreak poses a direct risk to farmers, livestock traders and rural households that rely on animal farming.
According to the Provincial Treasury, the disease threatens food security, the livestock industry and rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape.
Moreover, if the outbreak spreads, it could disrupt local meat supply chains and place further pressure on an already constrained provincial economy.
The emergency funding is intended to speed up vaccination programmes and containment efforts to limit further spread.
What you need to know
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergency funding approved | R55 million |
| Purpose | Vaccines, disease control, operational response |
| Legal basis | Section 25(1) of PFMA |
| Disaster status | Classified national disaster (13 February 2026) |
| Budget integration | Included in 2026 MTEF |
Key points:
- The allocation comes from the Provincial Revenue Fund.
- It is authorised for urgent and unforeseeable expenditure.
- The goal is to intensify vaccination and containment measures.
- The funding forms part of the broader coordinated national response.
What you should do next
If you are a livestock owner:
- Monitor official communication from the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
- Follow veterinary guidance on movement restrictions and vaccinations.
- Report suspected symptoms immediately to local agricultural authorities.
- Avoid transporting livestock unless authorised.
Farmers are encouraged to stay informed as containment measures may change.
Where to get help / official sources
For official updates:
- Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture
- National Disaster Management Centre
- Provincial Treasury statements
You can also follow updates in our Local Eastern Cape News section for verified developments.
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