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Another foot-and-mouth disease threat for Vhembe

Vhembe district faces widespread FMD restrictions

By Thembi Siaga, Maanda Bele • 18 December 2025
Another foot-and-mouth disease threat for Vhembe

A cattle farmer's fear of losing his livelihood due to foot-and-mouth disease has become a reality for many in Limpopo. Multiple outbreaks have led to widespread restrictions, impacting sales and the economic stability of local farmers. Veterinary services are implementing quarantines and vaccinations to control the highly contagious disease.

When Lutendo Mundzhelele, a cattle farmer from Makonde, noticed frothy saliva dripping from his animals’ mouths, he feared foot-and-mouth disease. One cow could no longer walk, its body trembling. For him and around 40 other local farmers, losing livestock would mean losing their livelihood.

Mundzhelele has farmed since 1999, taking over the herd left by his late father. Like many rural farmers, his cattle are his main source of income, paying for food, school fees and emergencies. The ...

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