South Africa's livestock sector faces severe challenges from a widespread foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The highly contagious viral infection has affected nearly 1,000 reported cases across all nine provinces. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it a national disaster on 13 February 2026 to mobilise resources and speed up containment efforts.

Farmers in the Eastern Cape, a key livestock hub with over four million cattle, report significant animal losses and financial strain. The crisis disrupts meat and dairy production while threatening exports.

Nationwide Spread and Impact on Farmers

The outbreak has hit subsistence and commercial farmers hard. In the Eastern Cape near Humansdorp, farmer Igsahn Felix described a grim scene: one calf unlikely to survive among sick animals showing fever and blisters that hinder feeding. His cooperative's 245 cattle saw 128 fall ill and 14 die, according to an AFP report.

Farmers bear extra costs for fodder during quarantine and sanitisation. The cooperative Felix belongs to normally earns about R540,000 yearly but lost R180,000 so far. Cattle breeder Doane Kaizer, with around 60 cows, noted that farmers shoulder most burdens beyond state vaccinations. Quarantine zones restrict sales and slaughter, while signs warn of control areas where vehicles require chemical spraying to curb spread.

The disease has also led to export bans. Countries like China and Zambia halted South African beef and livestock imports, exacerbating economic pressure on the sector.

Government Response and Vaccination Efforts

Authorities launched a 10-year national strategy in January 2026, focusing on mass vaccination to regain FMD-free status with vaccination. South Africa received 2.5 million imported doses by late February from suppliers like Biogenesis Bago and Dollvet. The rollout began in February, prioritising high-risk zones such as KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and Eastern Cape.

The government covers full vaccination costs for farmers, as Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed in early March. Over 900 outbreaks were reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) by March, with the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng hardest hit. The Eastern Cape provincial government allocated R55 million for vaccines and supplies.

Veterinarian Anthony Davis, part of the vaccination task force, noted that new vaccine strains face their first test in the country. The strategy includes movement controls, traceability systems, and awareness campaigns.

Political and Economic Reactions

Minister John Steenhuisen announced in February 2026 that he would not seek re-election as Democratic Alliance leader. He cited the need to focus on eradicating the disease. "My next chapter must be to eradicate this devastating disease from our shores once and for all," Steenhuisen said (as reported by BBC, Daily Maverick, and eNCA).

Political analyst Susan Booysen observed that the crisis weakened Steenhuisen's position and his party, which draws support from farmers. The outbreak follows earlier losses in 2019 and 2024, compounding recovery from drought in affected areas.