THE ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in KZN is weakening the province’s once-thriving livestock industry.

Now entering its fourth year, the outbreak has restricted cattle movements and disrupted local meat production, with farmers in Zululand, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude districts among the hardest hit.

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Many have been unable to trade, restock, or recover from mounting losses.

During the Taking Legislature to the People programme held at Cecil Emmet Hall in Vryheid, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa reassured affected farmers that support is a priority for the government.

She said every dipping tank in Zululand District had been provided with adequate dipping chemicals, while two new tanks had been erected in uLundi – with AbaQulusi next in line.

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Despite these interventions, local agricultural activity continues to dwindle.

Farmers say they face multiple setbacks including a lack of abattoirs, dams and mechanisation programmes, coupled with limited access to production inputs and rising stock theft cases.

“We are revitalising our efforts to encourage communities to re-engage in agriculture and revive collapsing projects by providing fencing, mechanisation and production inputs,” said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

The MEC urged livestock owners to formalise their operations to access government support.

“If you have cattle or are involved in farming, please register your businesses so my department can consider your applications for assistance,” she said, reminding farmers they need to comply with animal movement restrictions.

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