KwaZulu-Natal Expands Disease Management Area as Foot and Mouth Outbreak Spreads

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has expanded KwaZulu-Natal’s Disease Management Area (DMA) following the discovery of new Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cases in Newcastle. The outbreak, first identified in 2021, has now spread beyond its initial containment zone, prompting stricter movement restrictions to prevent further transmission.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984). This law enforces strict control measures such as isolation and movement restrictions, which are overseen by Veterinary Services.

Ministry spokesperson Joylene van Wyk confirmed that the FMD outbreak has not been successfully contained, with new infections detected in Newcastle.

“The disease has now spread beyond the initial Disease Management Area (DMA) declared in 2021 when outbreaks of the SAT2 FMD strain first emerged in the province,” Van Wyk stated.

Expanded Disease Management Area Announced

To contain the virus, the DMA boundaries have been expanded. This means cloven-hoofed animals—including cattle, sheep, and goats—as well as their products and genetic material, cannot be moved within, to, or from the DMA without a state veterinary permit.

The updated DMA boundaries will be officially declared in the Government Gazette in the coming days and now include:

• Fully included municipalities: Big Five Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, Nongoma, Ulundi, uMhlabuyalingana, Jozini, uPhongolo, Abaqulusi, uMfolozi, uMhlathuze, Mthonjaneni, Nquthu, Nkandla, uMlalazi, and Mandeni.
• Partially included municipalities: Portions of eMadlangeni, Newcastle, Dannhauser, Endumeni, Msinga, uMvoti, Maphumulo, Ndwedwe, and KwaDukuza.

National Movement Controls Still in Place

Van Wyk emphasized that the nationwide movement restrictions, first implemented in October 2022, remain in effect. These require:

• Owner declarations confirming the health status and origin of any transported cattle, sheep, or goats.
• Recipient declarations ensuring that newly acquired animals are isolated for at least 28 days before integration into existing herds.

Additionally, Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act places a legal responsibility on farmers and animal owners to take all necessary precautions to prevent infection and contain the spread of disease.

Essential Biosecurity Measures for Farmers

To limit FMD transmission, strict biosecurity protocols must be followed, including:

• Delaying or restricting the introduction of new animals onto farms.
• Sourcing animals only from certified disease-free locations with valid health declarations.
• Preventing direct contact between farm animals and external livestock.
• Maintaining secure farm boundaries and limiting access to livestock areas.
• Reducing human and vehicle access to farms, with mandatory disinfection protocols.

Signs of Infection and Reporting Procedures

Van Wyk urged farmers to be vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms immediately. These include:

• Excessive salivation
• Blisters in the mouth
• Limping or hoof lesions

Any infected animals must not be moved and should be reported to the local State Veterinarian without delay.

Earlier this month, the provincial Department of Agriculture confirmed positive cases of FMD in Newcastle, under the Amajuba District. With the disease continuing to spread, authorities are urging farmers to comply with movement restrictions and implement stronger biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks.

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