Is the red meat industry set to face significant disruption, and could South African consumers soon see beef prices begin to fluctuate?
These concerns have emerged as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) extends its reach across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), posing a growing challenge to the agricultural sector.
This follows the Department of Agriculture confirming that recent laboratory findings reveal the continued presence of FMD viruses in KZN. According to the Department, cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba tested positive for the disease.
“These cattle showed clinical signs of FMD in December, prompting sample collection, and laboratory results confirmed the introduction of a SAT1 FMD virus into the area,” the Department stated. It noted that this SAT1 strain closely resembles one recently identified in the northern region of the Kruger National Park, a connection linked to a SAT2 FMD outbreak affecting KZN since 2021.
Moreover, the Department reported that over the past two weeks, clinical signs of FMD have also been observed in districts near Vryheid and Newcastle.
“Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the FMD virus, with virus typing still in progress to determine whether these outbreaks were caused by a SAT1 or SAT2 strain,” it explained.
Given FMD’s persistent impact on KZN, the Department affirmed that containment measures within the Disease Management Area (DMA) remain active. “The affected dip tanks remain under quarantine, and vaccination efforts in the area continue. The vaccine being used covers all three FMD SAT strains. Dip tanks in newly affected areas have also been placed under quarantine,” it confirmed. These developments emphasise the ongoing threat of FMD and the necessity of stringent controls to limit its spread.
Additionally, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen called for strict adherence to biosecurity protocols, urging livestock owners to promptly report suspected cases to veterinary authorities.
The Department reinforced that nationwide measures, implemented since October 2022, require full compliance to prevent further transmission. These include:
- Cloven-hoofed livestock may only be moved with a health declaration from the owner, verifying their health at the time of transport.
- New cattle, sheep, or goats must be isolated from resident herds for at least 28 days.
Taking this into consideration, the Department emphasised, “All livestock farmers across the country are strongly encouraged to limit animal movement as much as possible. Auctioneers and livestock owners should be particularly cautious when purchasing cloven-hoofed animals from provinces with active FMD outbreaks. No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under FMD restrictions in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga Provinces.”
As the Department works to contain the outbreak, Angus Williamson, the second Vice-Chair of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), highlighted emerging difficulties in the meat market.
He assured that red meat from reputable sources remains safe for consumption but noted that FMD is imposing financial constraints, restricting producers’ ability to market livestock. Williamson traced this impact back to 2021, underscoring its toll on farmers and agricultural employment.
Although precise financial losses have yet to be calculated, Williamson cautioned that the sector faces ongoing challenges. “There are a number of possibilities that might come into effect, with one of these possibilities being the prices of beef potentially dropping, and thereby creating challenges with pricing,” he stated.
As the Department of Agriculture addresses the outbreak while concern around the outbreak has seen the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation highlighting that there would be ramifications in the agricultural sector if the issue is not resolved, what are your thoughts?
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