Foot-and-mouth disease project targets waste reduction and regulatory reform

A groundbreaking research collaboration between Red Meat Industry Services, the University of Pretoria, and global animal health leader Zoetis is aiming to transform South Africa's approach to foot-and-mouth disease.

- Octavia Avesca Spandiel

A scientific study aimed at reducing the heavy economic losses caused by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa's red meat industry has been launched in Pretoria through a collaboration between Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), the University of Pretoria (UP), and global animal health company Zoetis.

The research initiative, titled Evidence-based Risk Reduction for FMD Virus Persistence at Slaughter, seeks to generate the scientific evidence required to overhaul outdated slaughter regulations that currently enforce a blanket ban on certain products derived from FMD-recovered cattle. These regulations, which were originally introduced as a precautionary measure, have resulted in significant wastage of offal and other edible components, placing financial strain on producers, feedlots, and abattoirs.