Learn about Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa, its impact on livestock, KZN outbreaks, and the 2025 Karan Beef & Albert Falls feedlots.
South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Crisis: What You Need to Know
Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa continues to challenge South Africa’s livestock sector in 2026. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) remains one of the most affected provinces, with ongoing outbreaks impacting both commercial and communal farms. The 2025 outbreaks linked to Karan Beef’s Heidelberg feedlot in Gauteng and the Albert Falls feedlot in KZN highlighted how quickly the disease can spread through interconnected cattle supply chains.
This article explains what FMD is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and the economic impact, while providing guidance for farmers and stakeholders.
This article focuses on the challenges posed by Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa, explaining what FMD is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and the economic impact, while providing guidance for farmers and stakeholders.
What Is Foot-and-Mouth Disease?
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wildlife. The disease is caused by an aphthovirus and spreads rapidly through susceptible livestock populations.
While adult animals usually recover, FMD significantly reduces productivity, causing long-term economic losses. Due to its impact on trade and livestock health, it is classified as a controlled animal disease in South Africa.
How FMD Spreads
The virus can spread quickly through both direct and indirect means, including:
- Contact between infected and healthy animals
- Animal movement through auctions, sales, or communal grazing
- Contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing, and footwear
- Shared feed, water, or holding pens
In KZN, the 2025 outbreaks were linked to informal livestock movements and auctions, which allowed the virus to move rapidly between farms.
2025 Karan Beef & Albert Falls Outbreak
In mid-2025, FMD was confirmed at Karan Beef’s Heidelberg feedlot in Gauteng. Shortly thereafter, the outbreak was detected at the Albert Falls feedlot in KZN, demonstrating the virus’s ability to spread across regions and commercial operations.
Quarantines, movement restrictions, and emergency vaccination campaigns were implemented immediately. KwaZulu-Natal remains a Disease Management Area, with strict biosecurity and surveillance measures in place.
Symptoms of FMD in Animals
- Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs infected with FMD may show:
- Fever and excessive drooling
- Blisters and sores on the mouth, tongue, lips, and gums
- Blisters on feet causing lameness
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Drop in milk production
Young animals are more vulnerable, and severe cases can lead to death.
Treatment and Control
There is no cure that eliminates the FMD virus once infection occurs. Control measures include:
- Strict biosecurity protocols
- Quarantine and movement restrictions
- Strategic vaccination in affected and high-risk areas
- Ongoing surveillance and rapid reporting
South Africa has expanded vaccination efforts in 2025–2026, marking a shift in traditional FMD management policies.
Does FMD Affect Humans?
Foot-and-Mouth Disease does not infect humans. However, people can carry the virus on clothing, boots, or equipment and inadvertently spread it between farms. This makes hygiene and controlled movement essential.
Note: FMD should not be confused with Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease, a separate illness affecting children.
Economic and Trade Impact
FMD has serious economic consequences:
Trade restrictions: Several international markets limit exports of live animals and animal products from affected regions
Lost revenue: The livestock sector has lost billions of rand due to restricted exports
Domestic disruption: Meat supply chains are strained, contributing to higher beef prices
Farm-level impact: Reduced productivity, quarantines, and additional biosecurity costs
These effects ripple through rural communities, affecting jobs, food security, and downstream industries throughout the agricultural value chain.
Current Situation (Early 2026)
FMD remains active in multiple provinces, with KZN continuing to report persistent cases. Government and industry stakeholders are intensifying vaccination, enforcing movement controls, and educating farmers on biosecurity measures.
Restoring South Africa’s FMD-free status and reopening export markets will require sustained vigilance and cooperation.
Timeline of Key Events (2025–2026)
Early 2025: FMD detected in multiple provinces, including KZN; local movement restrictions implemented.
Mid-2025: FMD confirmed at Karan Beef Heidelberg feedlot and Albert Falls feedlot (KZN). Quarantines and vaccination campaigns begin.
Late 2025: KZN designated a Disease Management Area; movement restrictions and emergency vaccinations continue.
Early 2026: Outbreaks persist in KZN and other provinces; government and industry continue control measures.
FAQ – Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa
Q: Is FMD contagious in South Africa?
A: Yes, it spreads quickly between cloven-hoofed animals through direct contact and contaminated equipment.
Q: Can humans catch FMD?
A: No, humans cannot be infected, but they can carry the virus on clothes or boots.
Q: How does FMD affect meat exports?
A: FMD triggers trade restrictions, preventing affected provinces from exporting livestock or animal products to certain international markets.
Q: Can animals be vaccinated against FMD in South Africa?
A: Yes, vaccination is used strategically in high-risk areas to control outbreaks.
