Agriculture
Foot-and-mouth a national disaster – what now?─── ISABEL VAN TONDER 05:00 Tue, 17 Feb 2026
The declaration of foot-and-mouth (FMD) as a national disaster marks a critical turning point for South Africa’s livestock sector.
For farmers in the Free State, the question is simple: What happens next? Without coordinated action and transparent communication, uncertainty will continue to undermine producer confidence.
“Every farmer just wants to protect his cows. The disaster declaration places the responsibility squarely on all three spheres of the government, communities, and farmers to do everything possible to prevent the further spread of the disease,” said Free State Agriculture vice-president Friedl von Maltitz.
The declaration, signed on 5 February, called upon “all organs of state to strengthen support to existing structures and ensure appropriate contingency measures are implemented”. This included collaboration with organised agriculture and local farmers’ associations.”
Strict livestock movement control must be implemented. Photo: Pexel
Free State Agriculture said local farmers’ associations plan an indispensable role in coordinating and communicating local biosecurity measures, best practices, and movement control.
Also, biosecurity checkpoints coordination, communication between farmers, veterinarians, and authorities, and providing learnership, support, and support to affected members.
While further details on the vaccine rollout are awaited, farmers are urged to act decisively to limit the spread of FMD by implementing strict livestock movement control, strengthening biosecurity measures, and reporting of any suspected cases to a veterinarian.
“What the farmer wants to know is how the vaccine will reach his farm and what he needs to do from his side. Clarity and speed are now critical.”
Responsibilities
Clear allocation of responsibilities in the procurement, distribution, and administration of vaccines is crucial, said FSA.
Free State Agriculture called on banks and insurance companies to recognise the magnitude of the crisis and provide appropriate relief measures.
“Farmers cannot face the dual burden of disease outbreaks and financial collapse. No farmer should lose his farm or leave his family with unpaid obligations because of circumstances beyond his control,” said Free State Agriculture president Francois Wilken.
It would “keep the pressure on to ensure vaccines reach animals as soon as possible, and at a cost farmers can afford”, confirmed Free State Agriculture.
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