By Zanele Makola
The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa has severely impacted the red meat industry, causing financial losses, disrupting supply chains, and affecting farmers’ livelihoods. However, a new plan introduced by industry leaders offers hope for recovery. Dr. Frikkie Maré, CEO of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) stresses the need for unified action across the industry to rebuild and restore confidence.
The outbreak, which has spread across multiple provinces since 2019, has highlighted vulnerabilities in South Africa’s animal health infrastructure and biosecurity measures. The national response has been met with frustration and confusion, with conflicting opinions on how to control the outbreak.
The new plan involves improving biosecurity measures, strengthening collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, and a robust vaccination campaign. The government is working with veterinarians and vaccine manufacturers to ensure safe and effective vaccines are produced and distributed according to international standards.
Dr. Maré emphasizes the need for ongoing research into better vaccine development and strategies to protect South Africa’s livestock from FMD and other diseases. The red meat industry must adapt to changing circumstances, improving animal health infrastructure and disease surveillance.The road to recovery will be challenging, but Dr. Maré’s optimism is grounded in the resilience of South Africa’s farmers and the industry’s potential to rebuild. The plan offers a clear way forward, and collective efforts may help the industry recover and consolidate.
