About 165 cases of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), are in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Agriculture said about 18 of these were closed, leaving 147 still active.
“An enlarged Disease Management Area (DMA) was declared on 17 March 2025, where signs of continued virus activity persist. Livestock owners are urged to maintain strict biosecurity and adhere to movement protocols to curb disease spread. Full compliance could result in a noticeable reduction of viral load after 28 days” said the Department.
A new outbreak outside the DMA, was reported in Bergville.
Traceback suggests the infection originated from within the extended DMA boundaries before the declaration was made.
As a result, the Department is investigating two more cases outside the DMA.
The Eastern Cape has reported 40 outbreaks, with 1 closed and 39 still active.
The Department said it is now able to introduce targeted relief measures for farmers within the DMA whose herds tested negative and have not received FMD vaccinations.
These farms will now be permitted to process milk for local consumption through single pasteurisation, instead of the previously mandated double pasteurisation or UHT treatment. In addition, such farms will no longer be required to conduct 28-day interval testing to qualify for direct slaughter. These measures are intended to ease the economic burden on compliant farmers. Eligible farm owners are urged to contact their local State Veterinarian to apply for the necessary exemptions.
The Department also said national bio security and movement controls remain in place, as introduced in October 2022. According to controls, the movement of cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa, requires a health declaration from the owner. In addition, newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be isolated from resident herds for at least 28 days.