FMD Resurgence in South Africa Highlights a Regional Risk: What Tanzania’s Molecular Evidence Tells Us About Cross-Border Spread

FMD Resurgence in South Africa Highlights a Regional Risk: What Tanzania’s Molecular Evidence Tells Us About Cross-Border Spread

• Public Health Updates
• January 09, 2026

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has resurfaced in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, affecting livestock farmers and prompting urgent veterinary response measures. Reports confirm a recent case within the Amahlathi Local Municipality area, and ongoing investigations are being conducted into additional suspected outbreaks in nearby districts. To reduce the spread, authorities have advised a halt to the movement of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) across the province until January 23, 2026, while surveillance, testing, and vaccination activities continue. ( https://centralnews.co.za/foot-and-mouth-disease-resurfaces-in-eastern-cape-stock-farmers-hit-and-veterinary-authorities-investigate-fresh-fmd-cases-across-eastern-cape/?utm_source=chatgpt.com )

Why this matters for Tanzania and East Africa

This outbreak is not just a South Africa story—it’s a regional reminder. Evidence from Tanzania shows how FMD viruses can circulate across borders and persist over decades. A landmark molecular study analysing FMD viruses collected in Tanzania between 1967 and 2009 found four circulating serotypes (O, A, SAT 1, SAT 2) across multiple regions. Importantly, the viruses were genetically related to lineages found in the wider East African region—supporting the idea that animal movement (trade, pastoral mobility, and informal routes) can drive virus dispersal across countries. The same study highlights a key operational challenge: multiple serotypes complicate vaccination, because vaccine selection works best when countries routinely update knowledge of what strains/topotypes are circulating. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12200    /   https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC122509

One Health action points (practical takeaways) : To strengthen preparedness at the community, district, and border levels, we recommend

1. Early reporting and rapid isolation of animals with signs such as drooling, lameness, and mouth/foot lesions.
2. Movement controls during outbreaks (markets, transport, communal grazing coordination) to break transmission chains.
3. Routine, sample-based surveillance with laboratory confirmation and—where possible—molecular typing to guide vaccine matching.
4. Cross-border coordination (animal health + public health + border authorities) to monitor livestock movement and share outbreak intelligence.
5. Risk communication in communities (including schools and farmers’ groups): simple biosecurity like cleaning boots/vehicles, limiting visitors, and separating sick animals.