By Ntambo Mabuza

An alert from Gauteng Veterinary Services recently confirmed a case of Foot and Mouth Disease in the province. This has caused understandable concern among farmers across South Africa. Around the same time, on 5 May 2025 – to be exact, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned about the same disease spreading in parts of Europe and the Middle East.

In 2001, the United Kingdom had a major outbreak that led to more than six million
animals being destroyed. The financial losses ran into billions. This shows how
serious Foot and Mouth Disease can be for food supplies and the economy.

It might feel like something that only happens far away, but local farmers need to
stay alert. In South Africa, diseases like this can spread quickly, especially in
provinces close to game reserves where cattle and wildlife can mix. Acting fast,
being aware, and keeping your farm clean and secure are key to staying ahead of
outbreaks.

Here are 10 of the most serious diseases affecting cattle in South Africa, along with practical tips to help you protect your herd and your hard work.

1.Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot and Mouth Disease is a serious viral illness that spreads very easily between
animals. It causes painful blisters in the mouth, on the tongue, and around the feet.
This makes it hard for cattle to walk or eat, which leads to weight loss and lower milk or meat production. Although people cannot catch it, the disease can cause big
problems for trade and lead to financial losses. Calves are especially at risk and may die if not treated quickly.

How to prevent it:

• This disease must be reported by law in South Africa. If you see anything suspicious, contact your local state vet straight away.
• Keep new animals away from your main herd for at least 28 days. This gives time to spot any signs of illness.
• Be careful when buying animals, especially from areas near parks like Kruger National Park, which are known for disease risks.
• Always ask for a veterinary health certificate when buying cattle.

2.Heartwater Disease
Heartwater is a serious illness carried by the Bont tick (Amblyomma hebraeum) and is common in bushveld areas like northern Gauteng, Limpopo, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, and parts of coastal KwaZulu-Natal. It affects the animal’s brain and nervous system. Cattle may show signs like a sudden fever, unsteady walking, or extreme sensitivity to touch or sound.

How to prevent it:

• Get advice from your vet and vaccinate cattle that are at risk, especially if you farm in areas where this disease is common.
• Use a tick control programme that rotates different tick treatments so they do not stop working over time.
• Make sure your farm workers know the warning signs and call the vet quickly if they spot anything unusual.

3. Redwater Disease
Redwater is a serious tick-borne disease caused by tiny parasites that attack red blood cells. Blue ticks spread it and it gets its name from the reddish or brown colour of the animal’s urine. Signs to watch for include a sudden fever, weakness, pale gums, and, in serious cases, death within a few days if not treated quickly.

How to prevent it:

• Vaccinate young calves between the ages of two and six months, especially if you are in an area known for tick problems.
• Keep your animals healthy with good food and clean water. Stress and poor nutrition make cattle more likely to get sick.
• Use the right tick treatments and always act fast if you suspect an infection—call your vet immediately.

4. Anthrax
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) that live in the
soil. It appears from time to time in drier parts of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape,
Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. In most cases, animals die suddenly without showing any warning signs. People can also get anthrax by touching infected animals or eating meat that is not cooked properly.
How to prevent it:

• Vaccinate your animals once a year if you farm in a high-risk area, especially before the rainy season starts.
• Never cut open or move the body of an animal that you think may have died from anthrax.
• If you lose an animal to suspected anthrax, burn or bury the carcass at least two metres deep and disinfect the area with lime.

5.Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection that spreads through biting insects, especially
in summer and autumn. It causes lumps on the skin, fever, and makes animals lame.
The disease can also reduce milk production, affect fertility, damage the hide, and in severe cases, lead to death. The Department of Agriculture warns that more than 40 % of a herd can get sick during an outbreak, with up to 10% dying if the disease is not managed.

How to prevent it:

• Make sure your animals are vaccinated against LSD as part of your yearly health plan.
• LSD is a notifiable disease; report it straight away to a government vet if you
  suspect an outbreak.
• Do not open or eat any animal that has died from LSD. Burn or bury the carcass at least two metres deep and disinfect the site with lime.

6.Brucellosis (Contagious Abortion)
Brucellosis is a serious disease that causes cows to abort. It spreads through foetal
remains and fluids after an abortion. It can also make people sick if they drink raw
milk or handle infected animals or materials.
How to prevent it:

• Vaccinate young heifers between four and eight months of age with a registered vaccine.
• Keep new animals separate from your herd for at least 30 days. Always ask for proof of vaccination and recent negative test results before buying.
• Burn or bury aborted foetuses to stop the disease from spreading through dogs, jackals, or vultures.
• If a cow aborts, take samples and get them tested in a lab about two weeks later to confirm if it is Brucellosis.

7.Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB)
This is a long-lasting disease caused by bacteria that mainly attack the lungs and
lymph nodes. It often spreads in areas close to game reserves, where cattle and
infected wildlife may mix. Infected cattle lose weight, cough, and may eventually die.
People can also catch it from drinking raw milk or eating undercooked meat.

How to prevent it:

• Test your cattle regularly for TB using skin or blood tests.
• Remove and safely cull any animals that test positive.
• Keep things clean—always use protective gear when handling animals and
  disinfect kraals, troughs, and any shared equipment.

8.Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
This disease often appears after heavy rains when mosquitoes breed in large
numbers. It leads to abortions and high death rates in young calves. People can get infected by touching blood or organs from sick animals.
How to prevent it:

• Vaccinate your herd before the rainy season, especially in areas known for RVF
  like the Free State, Northern Cape, and parts of KwaZulu Natal.
• Use mosquito repellents and treat water sources with larvicides.
• Always wear protective gear when working with animals during suspected outbreaks.

9. Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)
BVD is a highly contagious virus that causes diarrhoea, abortions, and weak immune
systems in cattle. Animals that carry the virus without showing symptoms, called
persistently infected (PI) animals, silently spread it to others.

How to prevent it:

• Test your herd to find and remove any PI animals.
• Work with a vet to set up a clear vaccination plan.
• Avoid buying cattle from unknown sources. If you do bring in new animals, test
  them before adding them to your herd.

10. Black Quarter (Blackleg)
Black Quarter is a fast-acting disease caused by bacteria found in soil. It is more
common in warm, wet weather and mostly affects young cattle. Animals may show
sudden swelling in their muscles and can die quickly without warning.
How to prevent it:

• Vaccinate cattle between six and eighteen months before the rainy season.
• Do not graze animals in areas where there have been past outbreaks.
• If an animal dies, dispose of the carcass properly and disinfect the area to kill any remaining bacteria.

Build a Healthy Herd with Consistent Care
Keeping your cattle healthy starts with good habits and regular care. Clean kraals,
balanced nutrition, and routine vet checks all go a long way. With the right plan, you
can prevent many common diseases and set your farming journey up for long-term
success.

A strong, healthy herd in South Africa depends on:

• Following a clear vaccination plan.
• Controlling ticks and flies effectively.
• Feeding animals well, reducing stress, and keeping their environment clean.
• Taking biosecurity seriously—always isolate new animals before introducing them to your herd.
• Staying in touch with a trusted vet for regular guidance and support.