The KwaZulu- Natal MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa on Wednesday 05 August 2026, presented a report on the status of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture at the South African Parliament in Cape Town.

The MEC reported that 1 567 971 cattle, representing 55% of the province’s approximately 2.5 million cattle population, had been vaccinated as of last week.

The vaccination programme has already covered the districts of uGu, Harry Gwala, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, uMgungundlovu Zululand and eThekwini. The veterinary-led teams are currently vaccinating in iLembe and King Cetshwayo districts where both areas have a combined 200 thousand cattle. The two districts are scheduled to wrap up their vaccination campaigns this week.

"The vaccination of more than 1.5 million cattle demonstrates the progress we have made in response to foot and mouth disease, and we remain committed in working with farmers and all stakeholder to curb the spread of FMD," said the MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

The MEC condemned the illegal movement of cattle and encouraged every cattle farmer to abide by the rules and movement controls in place.

The Department remains committed to protecting livestock and strengthening efforts to control and prevent the spread of FMD.