Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for the urgent development of locally manufactured foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines as outbreaks in the province continue to spread, affecting more than 260,000 animals. The call comes as Gauteng remains one of the provinces hardest hit by the disease, with authorities linking the outbreak to unlawful cattle movement across provincial borders. The situation matters now because the scale of infection threatens trade, jobs, and food security in South Africa’s economic hub.
Lesufi added his voice to growing pressure on national authorities to strengthen vaccine supply and disease control capacity as the province intensifies containment measures.
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Gauteng Among Provinces Worst Hit by FMD
Lesufi said Gauteng has been severely affected by the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with the province actively managing a high number of confirmed cases.
According to the premier, investigations have traced the origin of the Gauteng outbreak back to April 2025 in the West Rand, where cattle were allegedly transported unlawfully from an infected zone in KwaZulu-Natal to an auction.
“Since 23 January, Gauteng has been managing 195 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks,” Lesufi said.
He said estimates indicate that more than 261,000 animals have been affected across the province, making the outbreak one of the most significant animal health crises Gauteng has faced in recent years.
Unlawful Cattle Movement Identified as Key Trigger
Lesufi said the illegal movement of livestock remains a major challenge in controlling the spread of the disease.
“The origin of the Gauteng outbreak can be traced to the unlawful transport of cattle from an infected area for auction,” he said.
Veterinary investigations have pointed to gaps in compliance with animal movement controls, which are designed to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.
Provincial authorities have warned that continued non-compliance could undermine containment efforts and prolong restrictions on livestock trade.
Economic and Social Impact of the Outbreak
Lesufi said the scale of the outbreak has far-reaching economic and social consequences for Gauteng.
“This crisis has serious consequences for the economy and society at large,” he said.
“It disrupts trade, threatens jobs in the livestock sector and affects the income of small-scale and community farmers.”
Gauteng plays a key role in livestock auctions, meat processing and distribution, meaning prolonged outbreaks could have knock-on effects beyond the agricultural sector.
Disease Control Measures Intensified
In response to the outbreak, Gauteng has implemented a range of control measures aligned with the national FMD Control Strategy.
These measures include:
- Roadblocks and checkpoints in identified high-risk areas
- Route controls for the movement of livestock
- Increased monitoring of auctions and transport routes
- Heightened surveillance in conservation and biodiversity areas
Lesufi said special attention is being given to access routes near sensitive areas such as Dinokeng Game Reserve, where there is concern about protecting disease-free buffalo populations and other valuable wildlife.
Call for Local Vaccine Manufacturing Capacity
Lesufi said Gauteng supports calls for the development of local foot-and-mouth disease vaccine manufacturing capacity in South Africa.
“Gauteng adds its voice to the urgent need for the development of local vaccine manufacturing capacity, led by a fully resourced Agricultural Research Council, to ensure self-reliance in future health crises,” he said.
He said reliance on external vaccine supply chains poses a risk during widespread outbreaks and delays response times when rapid vaccination is required.
Pressure Mounts on National Authorities
The call for local vaccine production comes amid growing pressure on the national government to review how FMD vaccines are procured and administered.
Agricultural organisations, including Sakeliga, the Southern African Agri Initiative, and Free State Agriculture, have written to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, urging greater private-sector involvement in vaccine procurement.
The organisations said current arrangements restrict vaccine access to state-controlled channels, raising concerns about supply constraints during a rapidly escalating outbreak.
They warned that centralised control over vaccine procurement could hamper effective disease management during what they described as one of the most significant animal health crises in recent history.
FMD-Free Status Under Threat
South Africa’s national FMD Control Strategy aims to regain FMD-free status, which is regulated under the Animal Diseases Act and aligned with standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Lesufi said Gauteng’s immediate priority is to suppress the virus and restore disease-free status as quickly as possible, while remaining compliant with national and international standards.
Achieving this goal is critical for restoring domestic and international confidence in South Africa’s livestock industry.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the ongoing FMD outbreak has implications beyond farming communities. Disruptions in livestock production and trade can affect meat supply chains, pricing, and employment in sectors linked to agriculture and food processing.
The outbreak also places pressure on provincial resources, as veterinary services, law enforcement and environmental authorities work together to contain the disease. Prolonged outbreaks may increase costs for both government and consumers, while threatening livelihoods in rural and peri-urban areas of the province.
Balancing Disease Control and Economic Stability
Experts note that effective FMD management requires strict enforcement of movement controls alongside sufficient vaccine availability.
Failure to address either component could prolong restrictions on auctions, transport and trade, with wider consequences for Gauteng’s role as a commercial and logistics hub.
FAQ: Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Gauteng
What is foot-and-mouth disease?
It is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.
How many animals are affected in Gauteng?
Provincial estimates put the number at more than 261,000 animals.
What caused the Gauteng outbreak?
Investigations indicate unlawful cattle movement from an infected area in KwaZulu-Natal.
Can Gauteng produce its own vaccines?
Currently, vaccine production is limited. The province is calling for local manufacturing capacity.
Is the outbreak under control?
Authorities say containment measures are in place, but outbreaks are still being actively managed.
What Happens Next
Gauteng authorities will continue implementing movement controls, surveillance, and vaccination measures while working with the national government on longer-term solutions.
Any changes to vaccine procurement policy or local manufacturing capacity will require decisions at the national level. In the meantime, provincial officials have warned that strict compliance with disease control regulations remains critical to preventing further spread.
The FMD situation is expected to remain under close monitoring as the province works to contain the outbreak and protect both the livestock sector and the broader economy.
