Mahikeng – The rollout of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines in the North West Province has officially
begun, with the first batch of cattle receiving injections as part of an intensified campaign to stop the
outbreak. This marks a decisive step in the province’s response, with the vaccination drive now in full swing
across affected districts to protect livestock, farmers, and rural communities.
FMD has already spread to 16 of the province’s 18 municipalities, with a combined total of 158 confirmed
cases across all four districts.
To curb the spread, the Department has secured 100,000 doses of Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccines,
unveiled by MEC Madoda Sambatha during a press conference held at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture
last Thursday, 05 March 2026.
MEC Sambatha stressed that vaccines will be distributed across all districts to ensure fairness and equal
access. “While priority will be given to the most affected areas, no farmer or village will be left behind.
Communal villages, where livestock movement and limited biosecurity measures increase risk, will be a
critical focus to build herd immunity and cut off transmission pathways,” MEC Sambatha said.
Alongside vaccination, veterinary teams are conducting daily outreach, information sessions, and biosecurity
awareness campaigns across the province. Priority is also being given to precautionary quarantine farms and
areas near buffalo populations, which are known carriers of the virus.
MEC Sambatha appealed directly to farmers, stressing the importance of early reporting: “Farmers must not
keep quiet when they see signs of Foot and Mouth Disease. Do not hide cases. You must be the first to
report them to your nearest veterinary clinic or extension officer. If you report early, it will help the province
stop the disease from spreading. This sickness does not move on its own; it is moved by us when we move
animals without care. That means we also have the power to stop it. By reporting quickly and working
together, we can protect our cattle, our villages, and our livelihoods.”
Farmers are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious signs immediately to the nearest veterinary facility
or inform extension officers. By acting quickly and responsibly, communities can help contain the outbreak
and protect the agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods.
The Department assures all communities, whether in high-risk districts or smaller villages, that vaccines will
reach them. As the vaccination campaign gains momentum, the Department is expecting additional
consignments of FMD vaccines in the near future.
These new doses will allow the province to reach even more farmers, expand coverage across all districts,
and strengthen herd immunity to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight against Foot and Mouth
Disease.
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Issued by:
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Communication Services Directorate
For interviews, contact the Departmental Spokesperson: Ms. Emelda Setlhako
Cell 060 745 4020
Email : ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwpgdard/
X: @nwpg_dard