Foot and Mouth Disease Spreads Across Southern Africa Raising Economic and Trade Risks

Feb 04, 2026

Image credit: EuFMD

Southern Africa’s livestock sector is facing mounting pressure as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks are confirmed across several countries, disrupting livestock movement, threatening export markets and deepening economic uncertainty for beef and dairy producers.

The highly contagious viral disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and other cloven hoofed animals, has now been confirmed in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini and Mozambique, underscoring the growing regional nature of the crisis and the risks posed by transboundary animal diseases.

Outbreaks Confirmed Across the Region

South Africa remains the epicentre of the most extensive and economically significant outbreaks. Confirmed cases across multiple provinces have led to quarantine zones, restrictions on animal movement and mounting calls for the government to declare a state of disaster to unlock emergency resources. Industry analysts warn that repeated outbreaks are already costing the beef and dairy sectors billions of Rands in lost exports, reduced production and rising disease control costs, with longer term impacts likely if market access is not restored quickly.

In Zimbabwe, veterinary authorities have confirmed active outbreaks in Matabeleland South Province, close to the Botswana border. The outbreak has heightened concerns over cross border livestock movement and increased the risk of further spread in a region where communal grazing systems and informal trade are widespread.

Botswana has confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease infections in the northeastern Masunga district, triggering immediate quarantine measures, livestock movement controls and enhanced surveillance. The country is moving swiftly to contain the outbreak in order to protect its reputation as a reliable beef exporter, particularly to premium international markets.

In Eswatini, the disease has escalated rapidly, prompting authorities to suspend livestock sales in affected areas. Officials have warned that the situation is approaching crisis levels, with serious implications for meat exports, rural livelihoods and national food security.

Mozambique has also confirmed Foot and Mouth Disease in Moamba district in Maputo Province, leading to movement restrictions on cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Authorities have intensified surveillance amid concerns over vaccination coverage, informal livestock movement and the risk of cross border transmission, particularly along regional trade corridors.

Economic and Trade Implications Mount

Foot and Mouth Disease is among the most economically damaging livestock diseases due to its rapid spread and severe trade consequences. Once an outbreak is confirmed, affected countries typically lose their FMD free status, triggering immediate restrictions on exports of live animals and animal products such as beef and dairy.

For South Africa, export suspensions have already reduced revenue and weakened confidence among trading partners, with knock on effects across the value chain, from farmers and feed suppliers to abattoirs and processors. In Eswatini and Botswana, maintaining or regaining access to international markets remains a central concern, as prolonged restrictions threaten foreign exchange earnings and employment.

Across the region, outbreaks are also placing heavy pressure on smallholder farmers, many of whom rely on livestock as a primary source of income, food and financial security. Rising veterinary costs, animal losses and prolonged movement bans risk deepening rural vulnerability and slowing agricultural growth.

The spread of Foot and Mouth Disease across multiple Southern African countries has reinforced calls for stronger regional coordination to manage transboundary animal diseases more effectively. Experts point to the need for harmonised surveillance systems, timely information sharing, coordinated vaccination strategies and improved biosecurity along shared borders.

A Critical Test for Regional Food Systems

Given the current outbreaks, analysts caution that isolated national responses will be insufficient to contain a disease that moves easily across borders. Sustained investment in veterinary services, accessible vaccines, coordinated policies and transparent communication among Southern African countries will be essential to limit further spread and reduce economic damage.

Without decisive and collective action, Foot and Mouth Disease threatens to entrench trade disruptions, weaken livestock dependent livelihoods and undermine the resilience of Southern Africa’s food systems at a time when economic pressures and climate risks are already high.