FMD biosecurity: a fundamental shift from reactive containment to proactive prevention

The red meat industry in South Africa faces considerable challenges, primarily due to recurrent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which critically threaten both domestic productivity and international trade relationships.

- Hamlet Hlomendlini

Given that this sector is a significant contributor to agricultural gross domestic product, rural employment opportunities and export revenue, the increasing incidence of this virulent and contagious disease necessitates urgent reviews of our current preparedness, resilience and biosecurity measures.

TRANSMISSION

FMD is a viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, goats and sheep. While it poses no risk to human health or food safety, it remains one of the most economically damaging animal diseases worldwide.

The virus transmits through various vectors, including direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed and equipment, and through humans moving between farms. This high infectivity facilitates rapid spread in the event of an outbreak, often surpassing the response capabilities of local veterinary services and resulting in extensive geographic dispersion.

In recent years, South Africa has faced multiple outbreaks that have resulted in temporary bans on red meat exports to crucial markets. These bans not only inflict immediate economic losses on the industry, but also undermine South Africa's reputation as a reliable supplier of animal protein, jeopardising efforts to establish a stronger presence on premium international markets.