Foot-and-Mouth Disease Declared a National Disaster – Now what?

The declaration of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (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?

While farmers await action from government, Free State Agriculture (FSA) is currently developing a practical, ground-level implementation plan to support farmers and coordinate action across the province.

“Every farmer just wants to protect his cows,” says Friedl von Maltitz, Vice-President of Free State Agriculture. “The disaster declaration places the responsibility squarely on all three spheres of government, communities and farmers to do everything possible to prevent the further spread of the disease.”

The declaration, signed on 05 February 2026, calls upon ‘all organs of state to strengthen support to existing structures and ensure that appropriate contingency measures are implemented.’ “This includes, according to our interpretation, collaboration with organised agriculture and local Farmers’ Associations.”

The Critical Role of Local Farmers’ Associations

FSA says local Farmers’ Associations play an indispensable role in:

• Coordinating and communicating local biosecurity measures, best practices and movement control
• Assisting with the establishment of biosecurity checkpoints where required
• Supporting communication between farmers, veterinarians, and authorities
• Countering misinformation and divisive rumours
• Providing leadership, support, and reassurance to affected members

At a time when uncertainty is high, structured local coordination is essential.

Immediate Actions Farmers Must Take

While further details on the vaccine rollout are awaited, farmers are urged to act decisively to limit the spread of FMD:

• Implement strict livestock movement control.
• Strengthen on-farm biosecurity measures without delay.
• Report any suspected cases immediately 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,” says von Maltitz. “Clarity and speed are now critical.”

Urgent Need for Role Clarity and Coordination

Clear allocation of responsibilities in the procurement, distribution and administration of vaccines is crucial. Free State Agriculture has called for an urgent meeting with provincial government departments and key stakeholders to establish practical implementation mechanisms.

FSA expressed disappointment that the Department of Agriculture cancelled the scheduled Joint Operations Committee (JOC) meeting at short notice this morning, where clarity and direction were expected.

Without coordinated action and transparent communication, uncertainty will continue to undermine producer confidence.

Financial Relief Must Follow the Declaration

The Foot-and-mouth disaster declaration must also trigger meaningful financial relief. Free State Agriculture calls 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.

Free State Agriculture has confirmed their commitment to:

• Continue to engage government urgently on vaccine access and affordability
• Mobilise its local and district structures to coordinate vaccine rollout when available
• Work alongside state and private veterinarians to ensure efficient implementation
• Remain the voice of the farmer to government, and the voice of reason and truth to its members

“We will keep the pressure on to ensure vaccines reach animals as soon as possible – and at a cost farmers can afford,” FSA leadership confirmed.