The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (the department) has intensified its efforts to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe launching a province-wide awareness and compliance campaign targeting farmers in rural communities.
Photo: Octavia Avesca Spandiel
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Kontsiwe said a case of FMD was confirmed on 23 December 2025 at Bumbane Village, Keiskammahoek, in the Amahlathi Local Municipality. Since then, reports of animals showing symptoms consistent with FMD have emerged elsewhere in the province, prompting heightened surveillance by veterinary services.
“We are seeing more cases of suspected [FMD] symptoms being reported in various municipalities. For example, on 4 January samples were collected at James Calata [Jamestown], after symptoms were detected in four cases by community members,” she said.
According to Kontsiwe, the department said suspected cases were initially reported in Willowvale in the Mbhashe Local Municipality, the town of Matatiele, and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. While some of these cases weren’t immediately confirmed, further investigations have since verified them as infections.
Containment measures strengthened
The department has implemented a series of immediate interventions aimed at limiting the spread of the disease, particularly in communal farming areas where livestock movement and shared grazing are common.
“We also encourage farmers to ensure that animals [from different herds] drink from separate dams and rivers to minimise the risk of transmission,” Kontsiwe said.
Although the movement of cloven-hoofed animals in the Eastern Cape has been halted until 23 January 2026, Kontsiwe stressed that cooperation from livestock owners, especially in communal settings, is critical.
“We urge [farmers] to take responsibility for the safety of their animals. There is no regulation enforcing movement restriction at this stage, but we are sharing all precautionary measures to limit movement,” she said.
She added that the department ensures reporting mechanisms are accessible to communities, allowing for a swift response to suspected cases.
“We have technical advisers and extension officers in every ward, and farmers and communities are familiar with [them]. Those who are affected can report to the nearest agriculture offices,” Kontsiwe said.
The department has appealed to farmers and community members to report animals showing clinical signs of FMD, including excessive salivation and sores or blisters in the mouth and on the feet.
Kontsiwe warned that the further spread of FMD would pose serious risks to the Eastern Cape’s livestock industry.
“Livestock forms part of the livelihoods of the people of the Eastern Cape. It creates jobs and provides food security. This disease is detrimental to food security, the economy, and the health of the livestock,” she explained.
“In essence, [FMD] causes big economic losses, affects the movement of animals, the quality and trade of milk, as well as the trade of livestock products with other countries.”
Strict compliance must be maintained
Kontsiwe reiterated her call for farmers to strictly follow biosecurity and disease-control measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
“Farmers who intend to sell animals must contact their nearest veterinary official to have the animals inspected and request permission. Animals must not be moved unless it is for slaughter and, [once permission to move them has been granted], they must be slaughtered immediately,” she added.
