South Africa steps on path to freedom from FMD

Within the next 10 years, South Africa can restore its resilience, and freedom from, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), according to the agriculture minister.

Jackie Linden
January 19, 2026
Detailed map of South Africa focused through a magnifying glass
joaoserafim | BigStock.com

Last week, South Africa's Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen unveiled a new 10-year strategy for the containment of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country.

To be successful, he called for the full cooperation of all the country’s citizens, particularly farmers, industry leaders and veterinarians.

Log in to view the full article
Recommended
Professional headshot of a smiling man in navy blazer and light blue shirt against blurred architectural background
Company News
Novus President and CEO Dan Meagher receives 2026 International Visionary Award
International Trade
FeedMatch Group introduces buyer-first platform for global animal feed procurement
Related Stories
Magnifying glass zooming on map of South Asia, highlighting Bhutan and surrounding countries
African Swine Fever
ASF returns to Bhutan, spikes in Vietnam
3D scientific rendering of coronavirus with spike proteins
African Swine Fever
Low-cost rapid test for ASF in development at Michigan State University
Fresh milk in glass bottles and jars with cheese on wooden cutting board
Dairy Cow Health & Disease
H5N1 capable of spreading in raw milk and cheese, researchers say
Political map of South Asia highlighting India, Pakistan, Nepal, and surrounding countries
African Swine Fever
ASF re-emerges in northeast Indian state
More in Livestock & Poultry Diseases
African Swine Fever
Southeast Asian states raise ASF alert
After confirmation of a series of African swine fever (ASF) in several countries in the region, veterinary authorities are urging pig owners in Southeast Asia to be alert for signs of the disease.
Group of brown and tan pigs in a farm pen with metal fencing and brick buildings in background
Brand Insights
Optimized phytase dosing: unlocking more value from feed phytate
IFF Animal Nutrition & Health
Learn how optimized phytase dosing with Axtra® PHY GOLD can improve nutrient release, reduce feed costs and maximize feed phytate value in poultry and swine diets.
Optimized phytase dosing: unlocking more value from feed phytate
African Swine Fever
Spike in ASF outbreaks in the Philippines
While the Southeast Asian state is recording more cases of African swine fever (ASF) than at the same time last year, new cases affecting domestic pigs are also reported in Vietnam, as well as central and eastern Europe, and Africa.
Group of pigs huddled together in mud at a farm or agricultural facility
Pig Health & Disease
Swine Health Information Center to be integrated into National Pork Board
Dr. Megan Niederwerder will leave SHIC, and Dr. Lisa Becton will take over executive director duties until completion of the integration.
Dairy Cow Health & Disease
New study explains lack of respiratory symptoms in H5N1 infected cows
Cow's respiratory tissues lack key binding sites used by the virus to infect cells, suggesting H5N1 could manifest unusual symptoms in other species.
Dairy cows lined up in milking parlor with automated milking equipment attached
African Swine Fever
Commercial use of ASF vaccine approved in Philippines
As authorities approve an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine for commercial use in the Philippines for the first time, further cases are reported in the nation’s domestic swine.
Young piglet being held and examined by a veterinarian or farmer in a clinical setting
New World screwworm
Texas modifies New World screwworm infested zone
This action comes after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that portions of the area met requirements outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release.
New World screwworm
Mexican government establishes technical-scientific council to fight NWS
The strategy will combine research in biotechnology and artificial intelligence with the support of 11 state secretariats, academia and the production sector.
African Swine Fever
New ASF cases in pigs confirmed in northeastern India, Europe
More herds of domestic swine have tested positive for the African swine fever (ASF) virus in India’s Nagaland and in four central European states. In Finland, a recent case in a wild boar has been detected well outside the designated infected area, while the virus appears to have returned to Rome, Italy.
Large-scale pig farm interior with multiple pens and concrete support columns under metal roof structure
New World screwworm
APHIS approves release of New World screwworm infested zones in Texas
This action comes after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that the two areas met all requirements outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release.
New World screwworm
FDA authorizes generic drug to prevent New World screwworm in cattle
Bimectin (ivermectin) injection can be used for the prevention of New World screwworm infestations in cattle when administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration, or at the appearance of a wound.
New World screwworm
FFAR research explores novel approach to protect livestock from NWS
As the Southern U.S. continues to navigate cases of New World screwworm (NWS), the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the University of Notre Dame are investing $140,389 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to evaluate whether an existing drug can be repurposed to kill screwworm larvae.
Avian Influenza
Ongoing H5N1 research raises more questions about dairy farm spread
Researcher says he remains unable to explain exactly how the virus is spreading from one farm to the next.
H5N1 avian influenza virus illustration with red text label and 3D virus particle model
Page 1 of 133
Next Page