Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak confirmed in South Africa’s merafong region

Thursday 02 October 2025 - 13:00

By: Sahili Aya

Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak confirmed in South Africa’s merafong region

South African authorities have confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affecting livestock in parts of Merafong City, located approximately 75 kilometers south of Johannesburg. The Losberg area near Fochville is currently the most affected zone, according to state veterinary services.

Veterinary teams have begun vaccinating both infected animals and those that may have come into contact with them. Local media reports highlight ongoing concerns about vaccine shortages. Booster vaccinations are scheduled three to four weeks after the initial doses, while continuous testing of livestock is underway to monitor the spread of the disease.

Dr. Nomkhosi Cele, a state veterinarian based in Randfontein, confirmed that several cattle tested positive for FMD, including both free-ranging and confined animals. Jaco Taute, president of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) and a local farmer, reported that sixteen farms in the West Rand were affected in September, including six communal enclosures, four commercial farms, and smaller holdings.

South Africa has been facing an FMD outbreak since 2025, affecting multiple provinces and prompting large-scale vaccination efforts. The Agricultural Research Council plans to produce a local vaccine by 2026. Since 2021, more than 249 disease outbreaks have been recorded nationwide, with 39 new cases reported since May 2025.

Neighboring Zimbabwe has also taken measures, placing Beitbridge district under quarantine this week following confirmation of 400 FMD cases.