The ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal remains uncontained, with new cases detected in Newcastle. The disease has now spread beyond the initial Disease Management Area (DMA) declared in 2021 when the SAT2 FMD strain was first identified in the province.
Extended Disease Management Area (DMA)
In response to the growing crisis, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has extended the boundaries of the DMA. This move aims to control the movement of cattle, sheep, and goats in affected areas to limit the spread of the virus. Under these restrictions:
- No cloven-hoofed animals, animal products, or genetic material may be moved without a state veterinary permit.
- The updated DMA will be formally published in the Government Gazette in the coming days.
The fully included municipalities in the extended DMA are:
- Big Five Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, Nongoma, Ulundi, Umhlabuyalingana, Jozini, Pongola, Abaqulusi, Mfolozi, uMhlathuze, Mthonjaneni, Nqutu, Nkandla, uMlalazi, Mandeni.
Partially included municipalities affected:
- Emadlangeni, Newcastle, Dannhauser, Endumeni, Msinga, UMvoti, Maphumulo, Ndwedwe, KwaDukuza.
Livestock Movement Restrictions Nationwide
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that movement control measures declared in October 2022 remain in place across South Africa. These regulations mandate:
- Owner declarations for any movement of cattle, sheep, or goats, confirming the health and origin of animals.
- 28-day isolation period for animals upon arrival at a new location.
Biosecurity and Prevention Measures
Livestock owners and farm managers are legally required under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 to take all necessary precautions to prevent infection and disease spread. These measures include:
- Avoiding the introduction of new animals from unknown sources.
- Securing farm boundaries to prevent contact with external livestock.
- Implementing strict vehicle and human access controls with disinfection protocols.
Reporting and Control Measures
FMD is a controlled animal disease, requiring mandatory isolation and movement restrictions for infected animals. Farmers and veterinarians are urged to immediately report any suspected cases showing symptoms such as excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping, or hoof lesions.
The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation closely and warns that further restrictions may be implemented if containment efforts prove insufficient. Farmers are encouraged to cooperate fully to prevent the disease from spreading further into South Africa’s livestock industry.
