Eastern Cape Allocates R55 Million to Fight Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has announced R55 million in emergency funding to procure vaccines in response to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

The funding was confirmed by Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko following the classification of FMD as a National Disaster. The allocation is intended to help contain the spread of the highly contagious disease, protect the province’s livestock sector, and safeguard food security and agricultural livelihoods.

The declaration of FMD as a National Disaster is expected to strengthen government’s ability to respond more decisively to the outbreak and unlock additional support measures where necessary.

Farming Communities Already Feeling Pressure

The outbreak has already had a significant impact on farming communities across the province. Emerging farmers are reportedly facing livestock losses, quarantine restrictions that prevent trade, and rising feed and operational costs while income streams are severely disrupted.

Concerns have also been raised about the broader effect on rural economies, job security and agricultural trade if the outbreak is not brought under control swiftly.

Calls for Strong Oversight and Clear Implementation

While the emergency funding has been welcomed, there are calls for clear implementation plans, strict oversight and transparent reporting on vaccine procurement and distribution.

It has been emphasised that delays, mismanagement or poor coordination could further place farmers and the agricultural value chain at risk.

A formal request has also been submitted to Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, urging rapid and equitable vaccine distribution once supplies are secured, as well as strengthened disease monitoring and biosecurity measures. Additional support for emerging and small-scale farmers has also been highlighted as a priority.

Protecting Agricultural Sustainability

Foot-and-mouth disease remains a serious threat to the Eastern Cape’s agricultural sustainability and economic stability. Stakeholders say the response must remain swift, coordinated and accountable to prevent further spread and economic damage.

Government’s management of the emergency allocation and the effectiveness of the vaccination rollout will be closely watched in the coming weeks as efforts continue to stabilise the sector.