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Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, has hit the northern region of Lesotho.
Lesotho’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, in a statement shared on Tuesday, revealed that the outbreak was reported on February 18 after veterinary authorities identified cattle showing clinical symptoms of FMD at a cattle post in Mahlase, Botha-Bothe District.
“Laboratory tests conducted on 17 cattle confirmed that six tested positive for FMD antibodies,” the statement said, adding that further samples have been sent to a reference laboratory of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Botswana for virus typing and vaccine matching,” the statement read in part.
The ministry added that the affected cattle have been placed under quarantine, while neighbouring cattle posts are under precautionary quarantine and active surveillance.
It also advised livestock farmers, traders and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of excessive salivation, lameness, mouth lesions or hoof lesions to the nearest veterinary office.
FMD spreads through direct contact with animals, contaminated equipment, vehicles, and clothing, and through airborne transmission over short distances. Common symptoms of the disease in infected animals include blisters, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, reduced milk production, and difficulty walking, among others. FMD rarely infects humans.
It is often a major concern for animals because it causes significant economic losses, can result in trade bans on livestock exports, and disrupts food supplies.
The disease was declared a national emergency in South Africa. The country reported 24,400 FMD cases in 2025.
