National Drive to Curb Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reaches North West
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Earlier today, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, accompanied by North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, visited Rysmierbult near Ventersdorp to oversee a cattle vaccination campaign. The initiative forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a livestock illness with far-reaching economic consequences if left unchecked.
Protecting Farmers and Livestock
During the visit, around 300 cattle belonging to communal farmers in the area were vaccinated. This effort highlights government’s commitment to both protecting animal health and supporting rural farmers, who are often most vulnerable to outbreaks. The campaign is also designed to reassure communities that measures are being taken to safeguard their livelihoods.
National Vaccination Campaign
The Department of Agriculture has allocated significant resources toward FMD control. For the current financial year, 900,000 vaccine doses were procured from the Botswana Vaccine Institute at a total cost of R72 million. Of these, 500,000 doses have already been distributed to provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and the Free State.
The remaining 400,000 doses are being allocated to priority areas still experiencing active outbreaks. According to recent departmental reports, unresolved cases continue to affect several provinces, underlining the importance of swift vaccination and stricter farm-to-farm movement protocols.
Disease Outbreaks and Regional Impact
Active outbreaks remain a challenge, with 54 recorded in Gauteng, 26 in North West, nine in Mpumalanga, and five in the Free State. These figures reflect the continued need for government intervention and careful monitoring. The campaign aims not only to halt the spread of FMD but also to stabilize the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on cattle farming for food security and trade.
Looking Ahead
The Rysmierbult visit by Minister Steenhuisen and MEC Sambatha underscores a collaborative approach between national and provincial authorities. By addressing the threat of FMD directly in affected communities, the government aims to strengthen disease control measures and protect farmers across the country.
Final Thoughts
As the vaccination campaign continues, the focus remains on supporting local livestock owners, preventing further outbreaks, and safeguarding the long-term stability of South Africa’s livestock industry. With both immediate and long-term measures in place, today’s initiative marks another step toward strengthening animal health and ensuring the resilience of rural economies.
All images credit to: North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
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