South Africa Battles Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

South Africa is actively tackling a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has hit the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Free State, and Eastern Cape provinces, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report. The outbreak, first detected in May 2024, has dealt a severe blow to the dairy industry, especially in the Eastern Cape, which is home to nearly a third of the country’s dairy herd.

The outbreak of FMD has raised significant concerns over the nation’s dairy production and exports, as the Eastern Cape is vital to South Africa’s dairy supply chain. Efforts are being made by local authorities and farmers to contain the disease, but the situation remains precarious with potential long-term impacts on the industry.

The financial repercussions could be extensive, affecting farm revenues and leading to increased prices for consumers. The government, in collaboration with international partners, is focusing on containment strategies and developing a comprehensive response to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.