The province has received 1,570,100 vaccine doses and vaccinated1,315,401 animals so far. This represents more than 80% of the provincial target herd of 1.4 million animals as veterinary teams continue working to reach livestock owners who have not yet been covered by the campaign.

North West agriculture and rural development spokesperson Emelda Setlhako said the campaign forms part of the broader national response to FMD. It is intended to protect the livestock industry, support food security and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers who depend on livestock production.

The province had confirmed 479 FMD cases across all four districts by Friday (14/8). Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati remained the hardest-hit district with 213 cases, followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema with 93, Dr Kenneth Kaunda with 92 and Bojanala with 81.

Of the 479 confirmed cases, 333 remained active and were being monitored and managed by veterinary teams, while 146 had been closed. Cases have been closed in areas including Molopo, Rustenburg and Mahikeng, which the department regards as an encouraging indication of progress in containing the outbreak.

Setlhako attributed the improvement to the combined effect of vaccination, disease surveillance and other control measures. The department cautioned, however, that vaccination alone will not contain FMD and must be supported by strict biosecurity, responsible livestock movement and compliance with veterinary regulations.

North West agriculture and rural development MEC Madoda Sambatha urged farmers not to become complacent as vaccination teams continue working across the province. He called on livestock owners to cooperate with veterinary officials and comply with disease-control and biosecurity measures while authorities work to bring the outbreak under control.

“The progress we are making in the fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease is encouraging, but we cannot afford to become complacent. I urge all livestock farmers to continue cooperating with our veterinary officials on the ground and to comply with the disease control and biosecurity measures that are in place.”

Sambatha also appealed for patience from farmers who have not yet been reached. He said veterinary teams were working around the clock to vaccinate livestock and implement the necessary controls, while farmers could help by restricting animal movement and reporting suspected infections without delay.

Livestock owners have been urged to remain vigilant, maintain proper traceability of their animals and immediately report suspected FMD cases to their nearest state veterinarian, private veterinarian or animal health technician. The department says cooperation by every livestock owner remains essential as the vaccination programme continues.

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