Mahikeng – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has made
significant progress in its ongoing efforts to control Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province,
with more than 1.3 million animals vaccinated since the launch of the mass vaccination campaign in
March 2026.
The vaccination programme is being implemented in collaboration with livestock farmers, veterinary
services, Animal Health Technicians and other industry stakeholders as part of efforts to contain the
spread of the disease and protect the province’s livestock herd.
To date, the province has received 1 570 100 doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine and has
successfully vaccinated 1 315 401 animals, achieving more than 80% coverage of the provincial target
herd of 1.4 million animals.
The vaccination campaign forms part of the broader national response to FMD and is aimed at
protecting the livestock industry, supporting food security and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers
who depend on livestock production.
As of 14 August 2026, the province had recorded 479 confirmed FMD cases across all four districts.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District remains the most affected area, with 213 confirmed cases,
followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema District with 93 cases, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District with 92 cases and
Bojanala District with 81 cases.
Of the 479 confirmed cases, 333 remain active and are being monitored and managed by veterinary
teams, while 146 cases have been closed. The closure of cases has been recorded in areas including
Molopo, Rustenburg and Mahikeng, which is an encouraging indication of progress in managing the
outbreak. This progress reflects the combined efforts of vaccination, disease surveillance and other
control measures being implemented across the province.
While welcoming the progress made, the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development has cautioned
farmers against becoming complacent and urged livestock owners to continue working closely with
veterinary teams on the ground. “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.
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“To those farmers we are still to reach, I appeal for patience and continued cooperation. Our teams
are working around the clock to reach every farmer and ensure that livestock are vaccinated and that
the necessary disease control measures are implemented. We understand the concerns of farmers who
are still waiting to be reached, and we want to assure them that our teams are working tirelessly to
reach every affected area.
“The success of this programme depends on all of us. Farmers must continue practising good
biosecurity, controlling the movement of their animals and reporting any suspected cases without delay.
Government will continue doing its part, but we need the cooperation of every livestock owner to bring
this outbreak under control,” said MEC Sambatha
The Department reiterates that vaccination must be supported by strict biosecurity, responsible animal
movement and compliance with veterinary regulations to prevent further spread of FMD. Livestock
owners are urged to remain vigilant, maintain proper traceability of their animals and report any
suspected cases immediately to their nearest State Veterinarian, Private Veterinarian, Animal Health
Technician or Extension Officer.
Issued by:
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Communication Services Directorate
For interviews, contact the Departmental Spokesperson
Ms Emelda Setlhako
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nwpgdard/
X: @nwpg_dard