Picture: Foot and Mouth Disease surge in North West
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 March 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said it wishes to alert communities, farmers and stakeholders to a further rise in Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases across the province. The department said as of 6 March 2026, three additional cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number of infections from 158 to 179.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality remains the most affected, with 58 cases, followed by Bojanala Platinum District with 53, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District with 35, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District with 33. Sambatha said this surge in cases signals the relentless advance of the disease and the urgent need for a united response, with government, farmers, and communities joining forces to defend the livestock sector, the backbone of the regional economy.
“Of the 100 000 doses of the Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccine received in late February, a total of 53,110 animals have already been vaccinated. Vaccination efforts are intensifying, and in the coming weeks, more animals are expected to be vaccinated as another batch of vaccines arrives.
“We call on the farming community to strengthen biosecurity measures by enforcing strict controls on the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment in and out of farms, and by ensuring the responsible movement of livestock. “Strong biosecurity remains our first line of defence. This disease does not move on its own, but people and animals spread it,” he said.
Sambatha further said he therefore appealed to the farmers to work with Veterinary Services to control movements of animals within and out of the province and to report any suspicious cases of FMD immediately. He added that farmers are urged to report suspected cases to their local State Veterinarians, Private Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, or Extension Officers for swift investigation and control measures.
“Early reporting is critical to curb the spread of outbreaks and prevent further losses in the livestock industry. By acting quickly and responsibly, communities can help contain the outbreak and protect the agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods.
“The department assures all communities, whether in high-risk districts or smaller villages, that vaccines will reach them. As the vaccination campaign gains momentum, additional consignments of FMD vaccines are expected in the near future,” said Sambatha.
The Guardian 