Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) - What Riders Need to Know

At a glance

• There have been reports of cases of Foot-and-Mouth disease in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
• Foot-and-Mouth disease affects cloven hoofed animals only – it does NOT affect humans.
• We are working with authorities and landholders to finalise biosecurity measures required to assist in curbing the risk of spreading the virus.
• Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026 will go ahead as planned – 25-31 October.

What is Foot-and-Mouth disease?

Following reports of Foot-and-Mouth cases in areas neighbouring Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a mitigation strategy for the race in October 2026  is already in place. Comprehensive biosecurity measures are being finalised with the relevant authorities and landholders.

Not to be confused with Hand,Foot and Mouth disease, which is a virus affecting humans. Foot-and-Mouth disease referred to here, does NOT affect humans. Humans cannot "catch" Foot-and-Mouth by riding a bike, staying in camp, or eating food prepared in the area.

Foot-and-Mouth disease is a viral disease affecting cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs and warthogs. It has severe implications for the agricultural sector as well as wild animals and game reserves and can be spread via tyres, shoes, clothing, farm equipment and infected animals moving between areas. The route crosses working farms and livestock country including cattle and merino wool farms, and the latter stages, areas where conservation and farming sit side by side. The risk that we are working to mitigate is spreading the virus between areas via organic material carried on bicycle and vehicle tyres, clothing and shoes.

Paying close attention to biosecurity is important for an event that moves through farming country and Shamwari Game Reserve, to mitigate the risk of spreading this virus. Nedbank Gravel Burn are fully cooperating with farms and reserves and their strategies, policies and physical measures on this matter.

What this means for you as a rider

We understand that for international riders, the news of a "Foot-and-Mouth outbreak" in Eastern Cape, South Africa may cause some concern.

In short:

• Your health is not at risk from Foot-and-Mouth disease. This is a livestock and wild animal disease, not a human one.
• You will NOT require any vaccination or medical treatment related to Foot-and-Mouth disease.
• The event is going ahead on 25-31 October 2026 as planned.
• You may be asked to follow simple biosecurity steps before, during and after the event. For example, bike and kit cleanliness during the movement between farms and camps.
• Rider biosecurity instructions are being finalised.
• Once we have these finalised and signed off, information will be shared here and via your Karoo Posts, sent to all registered riders.