18 February 2026 – South Africa is experiencing one of its worst FMD outbreaks in decades, with hundreds of confirmed outbreak sites across multiple provinces. The latest reports are that it is still spreading to more provinces and the first cases have been detected in neighbouring countries.

– Pray for the active spreading of this disease to stop, so food security will be retained and livelihoods protected.

 

Economic impact

The outbreak has had a major impact on beef and livestock sectors, including the loss of animal productivity, the cost of control measures, restricted movement and export market bans or reductions, particularly on beef exports to other countries.

– Pray for farmers to receive supernatural wisdom from the Lord to treat their stock back to health. Also, for grace with export nations while herds are recovering.

 

Export trade disruptions

Countries previously importing South African livestock products, especially beef, have placed restrictions or bans in response to the outbreak, significantly reducing export volumes and revenue for producers and exporters. Being at the start of the food chain, farmers always pay the highest price.

– Please pray for their emotional well-being, that God will answer their prayers and that they will trust Him as their Provider.

 

Vaccination response

National animal health reports indicate continuing new outbreaks, with occasional discoveries of multiple FMD virus strains circulating — illustrating how the disease persists beyond traditional control zones. In response to the outbreak’s severity, South Africa has developed and deployed a local FMD vaccine, with national targets to vaccinate a high proportion of the susceptible herds to control the spread and build immunity. Vaccines from overseas are expected to arrive this weekend and will need to be distributed fast.

– Give thanks for the overseas vaccines that will arrive in the country this week.

– Continue to pray for the speedy production and effective distribution of the existing local vaccine that will be effective to counter all strains of the FMD.

 

Addressing the crisis

We are grateful for the president’s announcement that FMD is declared a national disaster.

– Pray that the government will act speedily and with urgency to make state resources available and will effectively distribute the local vaccines to the most needed regions. Also, that wise and dependable experts will be appointed to manage this process.

– Pray that the State will not seek to gain absolute control over farmers and how they manage their farms, and that farmers will be included as part of an advisory team to give their input and perspectives.

 

Food security

Food products from livestock add food security to millions of people if available at reasonable prices. FMD can negatively affect the affordability of these products and cause households to suffer.

– Ask the Lord to provide households with wisdom in the way they spend their money on food.

 

Scriptures to pray

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

– Pray for those impacted by this outbreak to humble themselves before God and for the Father’s mercy upon hearing their prayers.
– Pray for the healing of the land and the containment of the disease.

 

“He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20).

– Pray for divine intervention to stop the spread of FMD and to bring restoration to livestock.

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5).

– Pray for farmers, veterinarians, scientists and government leaders to receive supernatural wisdom on how to address the matter at the least possible expense. Even as solutions are found, pray that there will be no extortion or corruption involved.

 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you…” (Isaiah 41:10).
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. (Psalm 3:3).

– Ask the Lord to comfort and encourage farmers who are carrying heavy financial and personal burdens. Pray for many who may lose their farms due to this outbreak, that God will make a way amidst the calamity.

 

Continue in prayer

Let us continue to pray, humble ourselves before the Lord, and implore Him to have mercy on man and beast in South Africa.