South Africa FMD outbreak: update

Meat producers are concerned by the recently confirmed food and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal. According to the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), quarantine measures and vaccination campaigns in the outbreak areas are limiting the marketing of livestock, and damaging farmers and jobs in the agricultural sector. However, the RPO remarked that it is still safe to consume red meat from a reputable source. Meanwhile, authorities warned that no cloven-hoofed animals from areas under FMD restrictions should be accepted for sale. The disease is circulating not only in KwaZulu-Natal but also in Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. The first outbreaks were reported three years ago, and KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape seem unable to overcome the emergency.
Department of Agriculture spokesperson Sarah-Lea van Eeden confirmed that the virus was recently found in several dip tanks in KwaZulu-Natal and that measures within disease management areas remain unchanged. Affected dip tanks are under quarantine, and animals are vaccinated. The vaccine used is effective against all three FMD SAT strains. Van Eeden also reminded livestock owners to follow the national control measures implemented since October 2022 to contain the spread of the disease. Last month, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen visited KwaZulu-Natal and urged farmers to report suspected cases to veterinary authorities. Last week, he returned to the province and met Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak.