South Africa Lifts FMD Restrictions in KZN to Modernise Animal Disease Control

Steenhuisen clarified that lifting the DMA is not a sign of reduced vigilance, but rather a reflection of improved epidemiological conditions and a shift in strategy.

In a major policy shift aimed at modernising animal disease control, the South African government has formally lifted Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions within the KwaZulu-Natal Disease Management Area (DMA), marking the end of nearly four years of stringent movement controls.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the decision as part of a broader transition toward a national, standardised biosecurity framework, supported by intensified vaccination efforts across the country.

End of DMA Signals Strategic Shift, Not Relaxation

The KwaZulu-Natal DMA, first declared in 2021, imposed strict livestock movement restrictions to contain the spread of FMD. While effective in limiting outbreaks, these controls placed significant economic pressure on farmers.

Steenhuisen clarified that lifting the DMA is not a sign of reduced vigilance, but rather a reflection of improved epidemiological conditions and a shift in strategy.

"This is not merely an administrative decision—it is rooted in a change in the epidemiological story of the province," he said.

Instead of regional restrictions, the government is now moving toward a "more modern, unified approach" that applies consistent standards nationwide.

Nationwide Movement Control Protocol in the Works

As part of this transition, authorities are developing a countrywide movement control protocol for all cloven-hoofed animals, ensuring uniform compliance across provinces.

The new framework aims to:

• Replace fragmented regional restrictions with clear, national rules

• Protect both farmer livelihoods and national herd health

• Strengthen traceability and disease monitoring systems

The rescission of the DMA, to be formalised through publication in the Government Gazette, is expected to provide clarity and stability for farmers in KwaZulu-Natal.

Massive Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum

The policy shift comes alongside a rapidly expanding national vaccination campaign, which has already covered more than 2.5 million animals since April 2026.

Provincial vaccination figures reflect targeted interventions in high-risk areas:

• KwaZulu-Natal: 766,508 animals

• Free State: 446,527

• Eastern Cape: 376,122

• Mpumalanga: 233,510

• North West: 188,073

• Gauteng: 184,036

• Limpopo: 183,770

• Western Cape: 164,474

• Northern Cape: 46,996

KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State received the largest allocations due to higher livestock densities and outbreak risks.

Government Steps Up Investment in Vaccine Supply

To sustain the campaign, the government has significantly increased financial commitments:

• R238.2 million already spent on initial vaccine procurement

• Projected spending to exceed R644.5 million in the next phase

• Additional R72 million spent in 2025 on vaccines from the Botswana Vaccine Institute

The vaccines are being sourced from international suppliers, including Biogénesis Bagó (Argentina) and Dollvet, ensuring immediate availability while local production scales up.

Revival of Local Vaccine Production

In a significant development, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has resumed limited FMD vaccine production for the first time since the mid-2000s.

• Initial doses have already been released

• A new production fermenter is expected to increase capacity tenfold

• Focus is on developing multi-strain vaccines tailored to current outbreak conditions

This dual approach—combining international procurement with domestic manufacturing—is aimed at building long-term resilience and self-reliance in animal health management.

Balancing Biosecurity and Economic Recovery

The lifting of DMA restrictions is expected to provide immediate relief to farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, who have faced:

• Restricted livestock movement

• Limited market access

• Financial losses over multiple seasons

At the same time, the government's new strategy seeks to ensure that economic recovery does not come at the cost of biosecurity.

Toward a Resilient Livestock Sector

Steenhuisen described the current phase as a turning point in South Africa's fight against FMD, combining science-based policy, global partnerships, and local innovation.

"The combined approach of international procurement and local production is critical to ensuring long-term resilience," he said.

A New Phase in the Fight Against FMD

With restrictions lifted in KwaZulu-Natal and a national framework under development, South Africa is moving toward a more coordinated, proactive, and sustainable model of disease management.

The success of this strategy will be crucial not only for protecting the national herd but also for restoring export confidence, farmer livelihoods, and long-term agricultural stability.