Gauteng records dramatic decline in new foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks
Gauteng province in South Africa has seen a 96% decline in new foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks following a targeted vaccination campaign. Over 542,000 animals have been vaccinated, and the province is now focused on clearing quarantine restrictions for affected herds.
Why it matters
Successful disease control in livestock is vital for regional food security and the stability of the agricultural economy.
Updated Sept. 3, 2026, 12:58 p.m. | By Cliff Shiko
Gauteng's agriculture department has reported that the province recorded a 96.34% decline in new Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.
Cases dropped from 166 between October 2025 and January 2026, to just six between June and August this year.
The sharp decline follows the implementation of the Gauteng Provincial FMD Rapid Response Approach, led by Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
Earlier this year, the provincial government established a sub-committee to strengthen co-operation between government departments and contain the spread of the disease.
Between February and August, more than 542 000 animals were vaccinated across Gauteng.
These included cattle in feedlots, dairy farms, communal herds and commercial beef herds.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in