KwaZulu-Natal Livestock Agents Push for Lifting of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Restrictions
In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, livestock agents and auctioneers are advocating for the lifting of restrictions on animal movement and sales due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic. The disease management area (DMA) has expanded to cover approximately 4 million hectares since March 2025, severely impacting the local livestock value chain. The restrictions have led to illegal animal movements, exacerbating the spread of FMD. Despite vaccination efforts, the DMA remains in place until sufficient cattle are vaccinated. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, the provincial MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, has met with livestock representatives to discuss proposals for lifting the DMA. The agents argue that the restrictions have become irrelevant and are causing economic hardship for livestock owners, who are unable to sell their animals at fair market prices. 
