Strengthening FMD Control in Southern Africa: Regional Conference Set for Cape Town
A high-level regional conference focused on strengthening Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control capacity and enhancing resilience across Southern Africa is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 3–4, 2026. The event, hosted by the TAFS Forum, aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders to address the ongoing threat of FMD.
Addressing a Growing Concern
The conference, titled “Strengthening FMD Control Capacity and Enhance Resilience,” will be held at the Blaauwberg Beach Hotel and will bring together senior public and private sector representatives, veterinary authorities, and international experts. It comes at a critical time, following recent FMD outbreaks in parts of Southern Africa and increasing global disease pressure TAFS Forum. These outbreaks pose significant risks to livestock systems and have broader economic consequences for the region.
Key Discussion Points
Organizers state that discussions will center around improving preparedness, strengthening surveillance systems, refining vaccination strategies, and deepening regional cooperation to effectively manage and contain FMD outbreaks. Participants will analyze the current FMD situation, share experiences from different countries, and assess the economic and food security implications of recurring outbreaks.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It can cause significant economic losses due to reduced livestock productivity, trade restrictions, and the cost of control measures. In Southern Africa, outbreaks can lead to export bans, disrupt supply chains, and strain veterinary services.
Focus on Implementation and Sustainability
The conference program will explore the design and implementation of more effective FMD control programs. These programs will integrate vaccination, advanced diagnostics, biosecurity measures, and timely outbreak reporting into stronger, more resilient animal-health systems. A dedicated focus on implementation and sustainability is planned for the second day of the conference.
Sessions will highlight the crucial role of farmers in early detection and reporting, the importance of coordinated regional responses, and the need for long-term capacity building within veterinary institutions. The TAFS Forum, a Switzerland-based platform dedicated to fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing in animal health and food safety, aims to promote practical collaboration across borders and sectors.
Strengthening Partnerships for Long-Term Resilience
Strengthened partnerships between governments and the private sector are expected to be a prominent theme throughout the discussions, particularly in areas such as vaccine access, data sharing, and rapid response mechanisms. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently announced a massive vaccine shipment in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease EWN.
The forum’s overarching objective is to support Southern African countries in building resilient livestock systems capable of withstanding future disease threats. Enhanced FMD control is considered essential not only for protecting animal health but also for safeguarding rural livelihoods, stabilizing food supply chains, and maintaining access to regional and international markets.
The Importance of Regional Action
With increasing cross-border animal movements, climate-related pressures, and intensifying trade flows, the risk of transboundary animal diseases is growing. Stakeholders emphasize that coordinated regional action is more critical than ever. According to a report from the Department of Agriculture, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are currently the only areas with unresolved FMD outbreaks Department of Agriculture.
The outcomes of the Cape Town conference are expected to inform future policy directions and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving FMD preparedness and strengthening food security across Southern Africa. South Africa had nine FMD outbreak events reported since January 2019, four of which have been resolved MilkSA.