The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development led by MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, confirms positive cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Newcastle under Amajuba District, after a press briefing held at Coastlands Hotel, Durban on Friday 07 March 2025.

The existing Disease Management Area boundaries, currently encompassing uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and Zululand districts, are likely to be reviewed in line with the new outbreak. FMD is classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984). 

Any suspicious clinical symptoms, including excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions, must be reported immediately to the local State Veterinary Services. Following the detection of a suspected case in Amajuba District on 10 February 2025, laboratory results confirmed the presence of FMD virus infection in the tissue and blood samples of cattle.