Livestock authorities combat foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa and Vietnam

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks are being managed through vaccination and surveillance efforts in South Africa and Vietnam.

In South Africa’s North West province, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has vaccinated over 1.3 million animals since March 2026. This campaign has achieved more than 80% coverage of the province’s 1.4 million target livestock herd. As of mid-August 2026, the province has recorded 479 confirmed cases, with the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District being the most heavily affected. While 146 cases have been closed in areas such as Rustenburg and Mahikeng, 333 cases remain active and under monitoring.

In Vietnam, the FMD serotype A has re-emerged after an eight-year absence. Four outbreaks were detected in the Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, and Lao Cai provinces, affecting 58 animals, including buffaloes, goats, and a pig. Investigations suggest livestock movement between major cattle trading hubs in northern Vietnam may have facilitated transmission. In response, authorities have implemented quarantine, movement restrictions, and ring vaccination using serotype A-matched vaccines. This response aligns with Vietnam’s 2026–2030 National Plan, which aims for a 30% reduction in FMD outbreaks through integrated genomic surveillance and risk-based vaccination.