Newcastle-based private livestock veterinarian, Dr Ashlin Valan, has raised serious concern over the accelerating spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across KwaZulu-Natal, describing the situation as severe and requiring urgent, co-ordinated intervention.

With the province home to more than one million cattle across commercial and communal farming systems, the continued spread of FMD poses a significant threat to animal health, farm sustainability and the broader agricultural economy.

Early detection remains critical

FMD can be difficult to detect in its early stages. While some animals show obvious clinical signs, others may present only subtle symptoms.

• Excessive salivation
• Limping or reluctance to move
• Blistering in the mouth or on the hooves

South Africa is currently dealing primarily with the SAT 1 and SAT 2 strains of the virus, which spread rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals.

Factors driving the outbreak

• High viral load: In affected areas, the concentration of virus in the environment is significant, increasing transmission between animals and farms.
• High humidity and favourable climatic conditions: Warm, humid conditions enhance viral survival outside the host, enabling faster and more sustained spread.
• Multiple routes of viral shedding: The virus is shed in faeces, urine, saliva and milk, contaminating the environment and facilitating indirect transmission through vehicles, equipment, clothing, shared water points, and handling facilities.
• Direct contact between animals: Close contact between infected and susceptible cloven-hoofed animals remains one of the primary drivers of spread, particularly where animal movement is not strictly controlled.
• Potential windborne transmission: There are increasing concerns about airborne spread over short to moderate distances under favourable weather conditions, especially in high-density livestock areas.

Vaccination is essential

Valan emphasises that vaccination must be prioritised and expanded without delay.

“At this point, vaccination is not optional – it is essential. It is the only sustainable way to control the disease and protect the provincial herd,” he said.

Delays in vaccine procurement and roll-out could result in prolonged economic damage and further erosion of farmer confidence.

Immediate biosecurity measures

• Disinfecting all vehicles before entering farm premises
• Installing and maintaining foot baths for workers and visitors
• Restricting unnecessary farm access
• Enforcing strict movement control of animals

“These are practical steps that can significantly reduce transmission risk, especially in high-pressure areas,” Valan noted.

Economic and emotional toll on farmers

Movement restrictions and control zones, although necessary, are placing substantial strain on producers. Farmers face administrative burdens, limited market access, rising feed and input costs, and growing uncertainty about the future.

The financial and psychological impact on farming communities continues to intensify as the outbreak evolves.

What to do if FMD is suspected

Any farmer who suspects FMD must immediately report the case to their local state veterinarian. Early reporting remains one of the most effective tools to contain further spread and initiate appropriate control measures.

Standing together

“Farmers are resilient. We are all in this fight together, and we will do everything we can to support farmers and the broader livestock industry during this crisis.”

With co-ordinated action, strict biosecurity and sufficient vaccine availability, the province can stabilise the outbreak and protect the future of its livestock sector.

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