DR RUTH SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI DISTRICT – The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District remains the most affected district in the North West amid the province’s ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

According to the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province had recorded 479 confirmed FMD cases as of 14 August 2026, with 213 cases recorded in the Dr RSM District. This accounts for nearly 45% of the province’s confirmed cases.

The figures come as the province reports significant progress with its mass vaccination campaign. More than 1.3 million animals have been vaccinated since the campaign began in March, with 1,315,401 animals vaccinated from a provincial target herd of 1.4 million.

Of the 479 confirmed cases across North West, 333 remain active, while 146 cases have been closed and continue to be monitored as part of the disease-control programme.

The high number of cases in Dr RSM places continued pressure on livestock farmers and veterinary services across the district, where livestock farming forms an important part of rural livelihoods and the local agricultural economy.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha has urged farmers not to become complacent despite the progress made, calling for continued cooperation with veterinary officials and strict adherence to disease-control and biosecurity measures. 

Farmers are encouraged to control the movement of livestock, maintain proper animal traceability and report suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities or Animal Health Technicians.

With Dr RSM currently carrying the largest share of the province’s confirmed cases, continued vaccination, surveillance and cooperation between farmers and authorities will remain critical to containing the outbreak and protecting the district’s livestock sector.

-The VIP Team 

-DARD NW