MEC urges co-operation to tackle Foot-and-Mouth Disease

MEC Martin Meyer has pledged infrastructure upgrades and vaccines.

February 11, 2026

Anika Sanders 1 minute read

A man addresses a meeting from a podium at a foot-and-mouth disease stakeholder engagement in Newcastle. — MEC Martin Meyer promises action to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

“Communication is key,” said Martin Meyer, MEC of Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI), during his address to Amajuba District residents at a stakeholder engagement on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) at the Newcastle Farmers Hall on Tuesday (February 10).

Meyer began his address by apologising on behalf of the government for the mistakes they have made during the FMD outbreak.

FMD has shaken the province to its core and the district is in dire need of upgraded infrastructure.

Infrastructure

Meyer visited the Bosworth Dip Tanks and promised to liaise with the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) to upgrade the facility.

Another issue Meyer addressed was the lack of fences on municipal-maintained farmland on the R34 towards Utrecht. Fences are critical for the encampment of livestock and the safety of farms that have not fallen victim to FMD.

Statistics

According to state veterinarian Dr Wandile Ngwenya, 238 sites (dip tanks, farms, feedlots) have been tested and 29 of these sites tested positive for FMD. “The number of cases may be higher, but due to the movement restrictions, farmers are reluctant to report cases of FMD.”

DARD has tested more cattle than any other province in the country, as KZN is a hot-spot for FMD.

“Meat prices will go up if we don’t fight FMD. Rest assured, vaccines are coming,” Meyer concluded as he planted a seed of hope in the community’s hearts.

Farmers and community members listen during a foot-and-mouth disease stakeholder meeting. — Farmers in attendance. (Photo: Newcastle Advertiser / Anika Sanders)

Veterinary officials and farmers restrain cattle during foot-and-mouth disease testing at a rural dip tank. — MEC Martin Meyer visiting the Bosworth Dip Tanks. (Photo: Steve Bengu / MEC spokesperson)

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel