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An inspector checks cattle for foot and mouth disease.
The impact of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for stock farmers in the Eastern Cape continues. The disease was detected again in Keiskammahoek, in December last year, after it was contained in the Humansdorp area over the previous 12 months. Suspected cases were also noted in Bizana and Willowvale.
The MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe at Mbhashe Local Municipality during the Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) awareness campaign addressed the farming community about the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the disease. pic.twitter.com/SUnIwVCaAf
— Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (@DOA_EasternCape) January 7, 2026
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe has also been holding meetings with farmers in affected areas.
The farmers say foot-and-mouth disease will have a catastrophic impact on them. The diseases poses a huge threat and may result in financial losses. The disease further threatens food security within the country and export industry.
Lumka Maso, who is one of the farmers affected by the outbreak, says although they follow the guidelines, losses continue.
WATCH | Foot and mouth disease continues to affect stock farmers in the Eastern Cape. After being contained in Humansdorp, the disease was detected again in Keiskammahoek in December. SABC News reporter Abongile Jantjies reports. pic.twitter.com/gTs0z8vO9H
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 7, 2026
“In our business there are about 300 cows that have been affected by the disease out of 700 We try to follow the safety guidelines but the disease keeps on spreading,” says Maso.
Farmers have called on the authorities to speed up the process of getting a vaccine for the disease as it continues to affect their livelihood. Nkhuliseni Mavhungu, who is a farm manager, says it is painful to watch they livestock suffering and reducing in numbers.
“This FMD is something that has been for the longest time we have been aware about it. It’s a big risk in terms of the food security and we don’t have a vaccination which is something that is very surprising. I’m appealing to the authority that let’s speed up to get a vaccination,” says Mavhungu.
MEC Kontsiwe says it’s important for farmers to be vigilant and is encouraging farmers to follow guidelines which will help contain the disease.
🎥#FMDAwareness | One careless move can cost us all.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is everyone’s responsibility. Strong biosecurity is not optional, it’s our first line of defence.#StopFMD #GovZAUpdates @GCISMedia @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/QAj2DK2II0
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) January 5, 2026
“We advise farmers and the community members who own livestock that if they bring livestock from somewhere else to quarantine those for 28 days so that they can see if there no signs of FMD then they join those the others. We want them to prevent the spread,” says Kontsiwe.
Farmers have been urged to immediately report cases of disease.
RELATED VIDEO | Eastern Cape restricts animal movements due to foot and mouth cases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3_zycyu8DI
