Farmers, Agricultural Leaders and Veterinary Experts Gather in Ermelo to Tackle Foot and Mouth Disease Crisis
On 18 February 2026, a major Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) conference was held at the EHS Auditorium in Ermelo. It was a significant joint initiative by RPO Mpumalanga, RMIS and RuVASA coordinated by AgriMP. The event hosted approximately 270 physical and virtual participants to address the growing challenges of the FMD virus in Mpumalanga.
South Africa’s FMD status has changed from ‘‘clean zones’’ to ‘‘infected’’ status as a result of the spread. The conference served as an ideal platform for technical experts and industry leaders to outline a unified strategy for containment and long-term protection.
The expert panel, with representatives from the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, RMIS, RPO and the private veterinary sector, emphasised that FMD is a state-controlled disease that is controlled by strict legislation. The primary focus of the industry is currently on vaccinating herds to minimise production losses on farms.
Key insights shared by the speakers included:
- Animals that have had the disease definitely have immunity to the specific strain that the animal has had. More than one strain of FMD is present in South Africa. The vaccines that are expected from abroad, as well as the vaccines produced in SA, provide immunity against all the strains that occur here.
- It is safe to vaccinate animals that have the disease.
- Although the vaccine provides protection against the disease, infection can still occur. Therefore, proper record keeping of vaccinations is essential.
- When outbreaks occur, the disease is managed from the “outside in”, requiring strict quarantine measures from all parties involved.
- It is impossible for only state veterinarians and private veterinarians to vaccinate the national herd. The vaccine will therefore have to be made available under the control of the Department. RuWASA is in the process of officially empowering private veterinarians for the vaccination process. Producers must therefore be prepared to be able to vaccinate themselves.
- Private veterinarians are encouraged to update their database of clients and accompanying livestock numbers.
- The negative economic impact of the disease on the industry is enormous.
Critical Guidelines for Producers
To protect the industry, which is heavily dependent on livestock movement, the following guidelines were presented:
- Join Organised Structures, confirmed information is disseminated through these channels.
- Reporting of outbreaks must be done immediately. Late or no reporting accelerates the spread of the disease and increases the risk of livestock losses.
- Data integrity is of utmost importance. It is important that we know where the outbreaks are.
- Producers are requested to report suspected cases via WhatsApp to: 073 786 7363 (Note: Only send the GPS coordinates from the nearest S-road or secondary road.)
- General herd health is a priority. Stress-free animals with good nutritional status show higher natural resistance and lower mortality rates.
- Training of workers regarding the disease is extremely important.
- Evaluate grazing systems and the movement of livestock on the farm to minimize the risks of spread.
The message of the conference was clear: Don’t panic. Establish clear lines of communication, tighten biosecurity measures and start preventive vaccination as soon as the vaccine becomes available.