In 2014, South Africa was officially recognised by the OIE as a ‘country having a foot and mouth disease (FMD)-free zone where vaccination is not practised’.

Following a notification received from the Delegate of South Africa to the OIE on an outbreak of FMD in this zone, the FMD-free status is suspended with effect from 2 January 2019.

According to the standard operating procedure for the suspension of an officially recognised disease status, the country has two years to recover its previously recognised status by complying with the relevant requirements of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Contact: OIE Status Department