SHISELWENI – An outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in the Shiselweni region, prompting a total quarantine of livestock movement across multiple veterinary subregions in Eswatini.
On 12 May 2025, veterinary officials were alerted to suspected FMD cases at Sikhwebezi (762) Dip-tank in Mkhwakhweni. Initial inspection by the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services revealed animals limping with lesions on their hooves and mouths. Farmers in the area also reported additional cases.
A formal investigation was launched the following day, during which over 20 animals showing symptoms were found across five kraals. Blood and tissue samples collected at the site tested positive for FMD at both the national laboratory using NSP ELISA and at the Ondesterpoort Veterinary Institute in South Africa through PCR and serology.
Veterinary officials linked the outbreak to its geographical proximity to Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, an area already battling FMD. Hluthi, Lavumisa, and parts of Nhlangano have since been placed under quarantine, with all animal movement halted. No permits will be issued for moving livestock in or out of affected dip-tank areas.
Cabinet and relevant regional and international bodies, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), SADC, AU-IBAR, neighbouring countries, and the European Union, have been notified.
Government is also engaging with domestic partners for emergency support. The National Disaster Management Agency has been approached and awaits Cabinet approval to unlock funds for the FMD response.
Veterinary teams have begun defining disease guard areas under the Stock Diseases Regulations and enforcing biosecurity measures. Plans are underway to vaccinate all cattle within the infected and buffer zones. Vaccinated animals will be marked with a hot iron brand for identification.
Stakeholders such as the police, the Eswatini Umbutfo Defence Force, local authorities and traditional leadership have been brought in to help enforce regulations and maintain order.
Eswatini’s official status as a country free of FMD without vaccination has been revoked due to this outbreak. The Ministry of Agriculture warned that the country now faces trade restrictions on livestock and related products until new zones are declared free of the virus.
Farmers are urged to report any suspected cases immediately and avoid moving animals out of restricted areas. The virus is spread by infected animals, contaminated products, equipment, vehicles, and even feed.
Authorities stress that FMD does not infect humans, but its economic impact on farmers and the livestock industry can be devastating.
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