Ramaphosa declares foot-and-mouth outbreak a national disaster

The declaration follows a sharp increase in infections across key livestock-producing regions, with authorities warning that the outbreak is causing severe economic strain, disrupting exports, and threatening rural livelihoods that depend heavily on the agricultural sector.

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak declared a national emergency

The decision to classify the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak as a national disaster enables the state to mobilise resources rapidly under South Africa’s disaster management framework. This allows for faster procurement processes, coordinated interdepartmental action, and closer collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. While it does not pose a direct threat to human health, its economic consequences are severe due to trade restrictions, culling measures, and movement controls imposed to limit its spread.

South Africa’s agricultural sector has already begun to feel the impact, with several international trading partners imposing export bans on livestock and related products.

Agricultural export impact and economic fallout

The agricultural export impact of the outbreak has been immediate and significant. South Africa relies heavily on livestock exports to sustain rural economies and generate foreign revenue. Restrictions imposed by trading partners have reduced access to international markets, placing additional pressure on farmers already grappling with rising input costs.

Economists warn that prolonged export bans could result in job losses, reduced farm incomes, and knock-on effects throughout the food supply chain. For small-scale and emerging farmers, the outbreak threatens both livelihoods and long-term sustainability.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged these challenges, noting that decisive action was required to prevent further economic damage and restore confidence in South Africa’s disease control systems.

Livestock vaccination programme: 14 million cattle targeted

Central to the government’s response is a comprehensive livestock vaccination programme. Ramaphosa confirmed that the state has decided to vaccinate the entire national cattle herd.

“We have decided to vaccinate the entire national herd — 14 million cattle. This requires 28 million vaccines over the next few months,” the president said, referencing the two-dose protocol required for effective immunisation.

The scale of the vaccination drive underscores the seriousness of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and the government’s commitment to containment. The programme is expected to roll out in phases, prioritising high-risk areas and commercial farming regions before expanding nationwide.

Centralised vaccine procurement and regulatory oversight

To ensure consistency and safety, vaccine procurement will be centrally coordinated by the state. Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa’s regulatory framework would play a key role in overseeing the process.

Drawing parallels with the country’s Covid-19 response, he explained that all vaccines would require approval from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

“Like during Covid, many people felt tempted to acquire vaccines for themselves. But because we are a regulated country, everything must be approved by our authorities,” Ramaphosa said.

This approach aims to prevent the circulation of ineffective or inappropriate vaccines and ensure that the correct strains are targeted.

Task team established to manage the national response

As part of the national disaster declaration, the president announced the formation of a dedicated task team comprising farming organisations, veterinary experts, and government officials. The task team will work closely with the Minister of Agriculture and relevant departments.

“They will report to me every month about the progress we are making in dealing with this outbreak,” Ramaphosa said.

The task team is expected to focus on surveillance, vaccination rollout, movement controls, and communication with farmers and industry bodies.

Political and industry reaction to the declaration

The declaration was welcomed by several political figures and industry stakeholders who had been calling for stronger government intervention. Ahead of Sona, ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip, who serves on Parliament’s agriculture committee, publicly urged the government to classify the outbreak as a national disaster.

Speaking to Business Day, Trollip argued that the scale of the crisis required urgent executive action. Following the announcement, he said the move demonstrated that sustained pressure and public scrutiny could yield results.

“The department of agriculture and the minister are overwhelmed by this disease. Now the whole government has been roped in and will report to the president,” he said.

What the national disaster declaration means for farmers?

For farmers, the declaration offers both relief and responsibility. While it unlocks additional state support and resources, it also reinforces the need for strict compliance with movement restrictions, biosecurity measures, and vaccination protocols.

Veterinary authorities are expected to increase inspections and monitoring, while farmers will be required to report suspected cases promptly. Failure to comply could undermine containment efforts and prolong the crisis.

Looking ahead: containing the outbreak and restoring confidence

Ramaphosa declares foot-and-mouth outbreak a national disaster at a time when swift, coordinated action is essential to prevent long-term damage to South Africa’s agricultural economy. Success will depend on the effectiveness of the livestock vaccination programme, cooperation between government and industry, and transparent communication with farmers and trading partners.

If containment efforts succeed, South Africa may be able to regain market access and rebuild confidence in its disease management systems. However, experts caution that recovery will take time, even under the best-case scenario.

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Conclusion

The announcement that Ramaphosa declares foot-and-mouth outbreak a national disaster signals a decisive shift in the government’s response to a crisis threatening livelihoods, exports, and food security. With mass vaccination, centralised oversight, and a dedicated task team now in place, South Africa has embarked on an ambitious effort to contain the outbreak and stabilise its agricultural sector.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether these measures can halt the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and protect one of the country’s most vital industries.