The recent detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Gauteng – particularly in a large cattle feedlot – is deeply concerning. This case underscores the extent to which FMD has become entrenched in South Africa. Over the past few years, seven of the nine provinces have reported FMD outbreaks, with only the Western Cape and Northern Cape remaining unaffected.
This continued spread has prompted the expansion of the Disease Management Area (DMA) in KwaZulu-Natal and the publication of new regulations last week. These regulations govern the movement of cloven-hoofed animals to gatherings and establish biosecurity protocols that must be implemented at such venues.
Vaccination remains a key tool in managing a viral disease like FMD. Targeted vaccination has been approved as part of efforts to curb further spread. However, the current supply of vaccines is limited to imports from Botswana. Alarmingly, South Africa’s own vaccine production facility, Onderstepoort Biological Products, has fallen into disrepair, severely compromising our capacity to respond effectively. This shortage means not all animals that should be vaccinated will receive protection.
In response, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) is developing proactive plans to support FMD management and control. One of their key initiatives is the establishment of an early warning and reporting operations centre to facilitate rapid response.
As SAPPO, we urge all our members to remain extremely vigilant. FMD – as well as African swine fever (ASF) – poses a serious threat to the pig industry. Biosecurity on pig farms must be uncompromising. Members who keep cattle, sheep, or goats on their farms must ensure that the same strict biosecurity protocols apply across all livestock operations to prevent interspecies transmission that could endanger piggeries.
