By Mzukona Mantshontsho
New strains of foot-and-mouth disease are affecting livestock across Southern Africa, threatening exports and exposing failures in vaccine procurement and agricultural governance.
Spoke to Portia Phohlo, a researcher specialising in the dairy sector, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management. She is a PhD candidate in Agronomy at Stellenbosch University. She shares some of the thoughts and insights.
What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. It spreads quickly through direct contact between animals, contaminated equipment, feed, vehicles and even clothing. While it is not considered a serious public health threat to humans, it has devastating economic consequences for farmers and the broader agricultural sector because infected animals cannot be traded or exported.
In terms of South Africa, when did we have this challenge?
South Africa has experienced periodic FMD outbreaks for decades, particularly in regions close to wildlife reserves where buffalo can carry the virus. However, since 2019, the country has seen more frequent outbreaks in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and parts of the Eastern Cape. These recent outbreaks have been more disruptive because they have affected commercial farming areas and export supply chains.
President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa declaring Foot and Mouth Disease as a National disaster?
Declaring it a disaster was necessary but many in the agricultural sector feel it came too late. By the time the disaster was officially declared, outbreaks had already spread, exports had already been restricted, and farmers were already absorbing significant financial losses. From the perspective of producers, the response felt reactive rather than proactive. Declaring a disaster allows government to fast-track procurement and coordinate resources. But the key concern is whether earlier decisive action could have limited the spread and reduced economic damage.
South Africa does not lack policy frameworks. We have blueprints. We have protocols. What we lack is decisive implementation, vaccine security and coordinated execution. Declaring a disaster unlocks emergency powers and procurement flexibility. But the key question is. Why did it take that long to reach that point? Government response must move at the same speed as the virus not at the speed of bureaucracy.
1 million vaccines announced by Agriculture Minister John Steenheizen?
Vaccination is critical in controlling FMD. One million doses can make a difference in high-risk areas. However, vaccines are not a silver bullet. Their impact depends on timely distribution, correct targeting, maintaining the cold chain, follow-up vaccinations and strict animal movement control. If vaccines are delayed or poorly coordinated, outbreaks continue spreading. So while the announcement is positive, its success depends entirely on how efficiently it is implemented.
Should we be worried about the supply of Meat in our shops in the country?
At present, widespread shortages are unlikely. South Africa has a diversified livestock sector, and unaffected regions can continue supplying meat. However, consumers may see regional price increases, temporary supply disruptions and pressure on farmers’ profitability. The bigger concern is long-term economic strain on producers and rural communities, rather than immediate empty shelves.
The ban from SADC countries of products from South Africa, what impact wills that have in Rands, if you can quantify?
Export bans from regional partners and other international markets can cost the country billions of rands over time. The red meat industry contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings and rural employment. When markets close farmers lose premium export income, processing plants operate below capacity and jobs across the value chain are affected. The impact goes far beyond the farm, it affects the entire agricultural economy.
Which region in the country is the hardest hit and why?
KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo have faced significant challenges, partly due to proximity to wildlife reservoirs and livestock movement patterns. Areas with weaker biosecurity enforcement or high animal movement are typically more vulnerable.
