South Africa has launched a nationwide campaign to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), mobilising over 900,000 vaccine doses to protect livestock in outbreak-prone regions.

While not yet officially designated a buffer zone, the Karoo region, particularly in the Northern Cape, remains under close veterinary surveillance due to its strategic location near outbreak-prone provinces.

The campaign, coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), comes amid a worrying resurgence of FMD cases that have threatened the national livestock economy.

The Karoo, known for its dense populations of sheep and cattle and a cornerstone of South Africa’s meat supply chain, has so far remained FMD-free - but its proximity to infected provinces has placed it under heightened surveillance, particularly in provinces like the Northern Cape.

Karoo on alert despite no active outbreaks
Veterinary teams have increased monitoring efforts, although no vaccine deployment has yet been confirmed in the region. These locations sit along vital livestock transit routes connecting the interior to the Western Cape, raising concerns about potential exposure.

The risk is not hypothetical. Outbreaks have been confirmed in parts of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. Quarantine measures have been reimposed in infected zones, and authorities have warned that illegal or informal livestock movements continue to pose a serious challenge to disease containment.

Economic weight of the Karoo livestock sector
Livestock farming underpins much of the Karoo’s rural economy. In areas such as Loxton, Victoria West, and Carnarvon, multi-generational farms supply cattle and sheep to both local abattoirs and national feedlots. The region is also home to certified producers of Karoo lamb, which recently attained Geographical Indication (GI) status.

The GI label, which requires strict traceability and health compliance, adds another layer of urgency. Any perception of compromised animal health could undermine years of market development, particularly for Karoo lamb exports.

Preparations underway for possible vaccine rollout
According to DALRRD and Minister Steenhuisen, over 900,000 vaccine doses have been ordered, with the first batch expected by mid‑June. Initial shipments will focus on outbreak areas, while efforts are underway to build out vaccination infrastructure for potential future geographic expansion.

Local farming organisations have encouraged producers to adopt stronger biosecurity protocols while awaiting possible vaccination. These include disinfecting livestock transport vehicles, isolating newly purchased animals, and limiting visitor access to kraals and camps.

The National Animal Health Forum has also appealed to private veterinarians and commercial farmers to report any symptoms immediately. Though FMD rarely affects humans, it spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals and can lead to quarantine, trade restrictions, and culling.

Balancing urgency with preparation
With winter livestock auctions approaching in parts of the Central Karoo, farmers and officials alike remain on high alert. Veterinary services have tightened livestock movement controls on routes entering outbreak zones, though official communications have not named specific highways.

While the Karoo has been spared so far, the window to prevent an incursion is narrowing. As the national vaccination campaign scales up, the region’s preparedness will play a decisive role in maintaining South Africa’s broader livestock health and market stability.

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