Red meat industry outlines role in tackling FMD as government intensifies response

THE Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) has highlighted the significant challenges faced by the livestock industry in 2025 due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, while outlining the role organised agriculture has played in supporting affected producers.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

RED MEAT Producers Organisation (RPO) in a report reflecting on 2025 highlighted the challenges faced from the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and the role they have played in addressing. I SUPPLIED

(I SUPPLIED)

This comes as the Department of Agriculture announced it is intensifying efforts to combat the disease, which continues to affect large parts of the country.

Dr Frikkie Maré, CEO of the National RPO, said organised agricultural bodies are often questioned about why they do not intervene more directly during outbreaks. He explained that FMD is a state-controlled disease, which limits the scope for direct industry intervention.

"In short, the easy answer is that FMD is a state-controlled disease. This, however, does not mean that we did not do everything in our power to assist as far as possible during this pandemic," Mare said.

He emphasised the role played by provincial RPO branches and Provincial Animal Health Forums, which are administered by the provincial RPOs.

While animal disease regulations are set at national level, Maré said the responsibility for managing outbreaks lies with provincial governments.

"It is the self-appointed task of Provincial RPO's to maintain constant communication with the provincial government."