Mogale’s Economic Development Services, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, hosted an awareness session at Centenary Hall to educate farmers on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
What is FMD?
FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wildlife species. The virus is present in body fluids such as saliva, urine, faeces, and milk, and can also spread through the air from infected animals.
Although FMD does not affect humans, it is a trade-sensitive disease with serious economic consequences. It leads to reduced growth, weight loss, and lower milk production. While most animals recover, many remain weakened. Mortality can reach up to 20% among young animals.
How to Identify FMD
FMD is commonly characterised by:
- Fever
- Blister-like sores on the tongue, lips, and inside the mouth
- Lesions on teats and between the hooves
Due to its severity, FMD is regulated under the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984. The Act provides for strict control measures, including isolation and movement restrictions, which are enforced by Veterinary Services.
South Africa lost its FMD-free status in 2019 following outbreaks in Limpopo. The disease remains highly transmissible and has no cure, making prevention critical.
At the Awareness Session, farmers were strongly encouraged to strengthen biosecurity measures and to report any suspected cases immediately to state veterinarians using the hotline no: 0860 246 640
Key preventative measures include:
- Do not purchase animals from infected areas or unknown sources
- Comply with all veterinary movement restrictions
- Verify the health status of animals before investing
- Do not move animals showing signs of illness
- Exercise caution when buying at auctions where animals come from multiple sources
- Isolate newly acquired animals for at least 28 days before introducing them to existing livestock
Through initiatives such as this awareness session, Mogale City, with the support of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will continue to empower farmers with vital information to safeguard livestock, protect livelihoods, and strengthen the local agricultural sector. By remaining united and working together, communities can effectively combat this disease, with prevention serving as a crucial measure to protect animal health.