As of February 2026, a severe outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is causing a significant agricultural crisis across Southern Africa, particularly affecting Botswana and South Africa, with additional cases in Mozambique and Eswatini. The outbreak is causing widespread trade disruptions, threatening regional food security, and forcing massive vaccination campaigns.  | CCARDESA +3 Key Outbreak Locations (Feb 2026): Botswana: Confirmed cases of the SAT1 strain in the North-East District (Zone 6b), specifically at the Jakalas 1 crush. Further cases suspected in Zone 3c (Maitengwe). South Africa: Described as the epicenter of the crisis, with the outbreak spreading across six provinces, including the Free State, Gauteng, and KZN. The outbreak has reached major commercial farms. Regional: Active outbreaks are also confirmed in Zimbabwe (Matabeleland South) and Mozambique (Maputo Province), raising concerns about cross-border transmission.  | CCARDESA +5 Impact and Response: National Disaster: South Africa has effectively classified the outbreak as a national crisis, with calls to declare a state of disaster to unlock resources. Trade and Economic Loss: Affected countries have lost their FMD-free status, leading to suspended beef exports to premium markets. The outbreak has disrupted supply chains, causing butcheries to close. Control Measures: Authorities are implementing strict quarantine measures, movement restrictions (banning movement of cloven-hoofed animals), and mass vaccination drives. Concerns: The outbreak is severe, with some reports suggesting it is one of the worst in South Africa's history. The situation is compounded by high infection rates and limited vaccine availability in some areas.  | CCARDESA +7 About the Disease: Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs). It is not a direct threat to human health, but it is devastating to the agricultural economy.  WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health +1 Symptoms: Fever, blisters in the mouth and on hooves, leading to excessive salivation and lameness. Transmission: Highly contagious, spread by direct contact, airborne droplets, or contaminated equipment/vehicles.  WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health +1 Note: There is a separate, unrelated illness called Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) that affects humans, particularly children.  Mayo Clinic +1