By Lwazi Raul -Shongwe & Kopano Dibakwane
About 80 farmers from Balfour and Grootvlei participated in the launch of a provincial mass vaccination campaign against the spread of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) held at a communal livestock farm in Siyathemba Location on Friday 13 February 2026, led by Mpumalanga MEC for DARDLEA (Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), Khethiwe Moeketsi.
MEC Moeketsi called upon farmers to cooperate and actively participate in all efforts to curb the spread of the disease, which has affected several districts in the province. The launch also marked the start of a mass FMD vaccination rollout to other districts.
DARDLEA said farmers were urged to assist government and veterinary services in curbing the spread of FMD by immediately reporting any symptoms associated with the disease to their nearest State Vet facility.
“Balfour has been identified as the epicentre in the province with about 35 confirmed FMD outbreaks. The Gert Sibande District is the most affected in the province, with over 149 confirmed outbreaks scattered across the local municipalities. MEC Moeketsi says local farmers should also maintain contact with Vets regarding animal restrictions and other disease management strategies,” said DARDLEA.
The impact of FMD on the farming business was also highlighted by DARDLEA Veterinary Services experts during a separate workshop held at ema-Centre for livestock farmers in Tweefontein E and surrounding areas in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
The livestock farmers were educated about FMD symptoms, prevention measures and steps to follow once herd is affected.
