North west: The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported a rise in confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) across the province. In a statement released on Saturday, the department informed communities, farmers, and stakeholders that infections have increased to 179. According to South African Government News Agency, as of 06 March 2026, three additional cases have been confirmed, raising the total number of infections from 158 to 179. The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality is the most affected, recording 58 cases, followed by the Bojanala Platinum District with 53, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District with 35, and the Ngaka Modiri Molema District with 33. The provincial department highlighted that the rise in cases indicates the ongoing spread of the disease and the urgent need for a collective response. The government is calling for cooperation between farmers and communities to protect the livestock sector, which is a vital part of the regional economy. Of th e 100,000 doses of the Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccine received in late February, 53,110 animals have been vaccinated so far. The department is intensifying vaccination efforts, with plans to vaccinate more animals in the upcoming weeks as another batch of vaccines is expected to arrive. North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha has urged the farming community to enhance biosecurity measures. This includes enforcing strict controls on the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment on farms, as well as ensuring responsible livestock movement. Sambatha emphasized the importance of collaboration with Veterinary Services to manage animal movements and report any suspicious FMD cases immediately. Farmers are encouraged to report suspected cases to local State Veterinarians, Private Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, or Extension Officers to enable swift investigation and control measures. The department stressed that early reporting is essential to curb the spread of outbreaks an d avoid further losses in the livestock industry. Communities are urged to act quickly and responsibly to contain the outbreak and safeguard the agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. The department reassures all communities, whether in high-risk districts or smaller villages, that vaccines will be distributed to them. As the vaccination campaign progresses, additional consignments of FMD vaccines are anticipated soon.
