Steenhuisen To Seek Disaster Declaration As Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Escalates In South Africa

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, is preparing to approach Cabinet with a request to have the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak declared a state of disaster.

He said the move would unlock additional resources, including law enforcement assistance, to help clamp down on the movement of animals, which authorities have identified as the primary driver of the disease’s spread.

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Speaking on Wednesday, Steenhuisen also announced the launch of a mass vaccination campaign aimed at containing the outbreak, with KwaZulu-Natal identified as the epicentre.

Steenhuisen: Cabinet Disaster Declaration Could Unlock Law Enforcement Support

According to the minister, a formal disaster declaration would allow government to intensify controls at key points, including roadblocks, to prevent illegal or undocumented livestock movement.

“We need the relevant authorities to assist us with manning roadblocks and ensuring that a very strong message is sent out that the undocumented movement of animals has to come to an end.

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“Again, the disease is spread through infected animals being moved into areas where they contaminate non-infected animals. That is how FMD is spread.”

Officials believe stricter enforcement is essential to slowing transmission, particularly in provinces already under pressure from new infections.

Vaccine Imports and Mass Inoculation Plans Underway

Steenhuisen said his department is still awaiting approval to import vaccines that are not yet registered for use in South Africa, a step he views as critical to boosting the country’s response.

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Once the necessary permits are granted, he expects around one million vaccine doses to arrive within two weeks, significantly strengthening efforts to contain the disease.

The vaccination drive, combined with tighter movement controls, forms the backbone of government’s strategy to bring the outbreak under control and protect the livestock sector.

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