The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Indaba, held on July 21–22, 2025, at ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, marked a turning point for South Africa’s embattled livestock industry. Convened by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa, the event brought together veterinary scientists, agricultural experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to candidly assess past failures and map out a long-term national FMD strategy.
Minister Steenhuisen’s opening remarks set the tone, declaring South Africa’s current FMD management system “broken.” He criticised the reliance on outdated structures and fragmented authority, warning that short-term fixes have undermined long-term stability. The consequences—devastated trade in red meat and cloven-hoofed animals, job losses, and export suspensions—have cost the economy hundreds of millions of rand, with projections running into the billions. The consensus: South Africa must shift from reactive, fragmented measures to proactive, coordinated disease management.
The Imperative of Regionalisation
A central theme was the urgent need for effective regionalisation. Without internationally recognised disease control zones, local outbreaks trigger nationwide trade restrictions. To address this, Steenhuisen announced the appointment of two senior veterinarians, Dr. Emily Mogajane and Dr. Nomsa Mnisi, to develop a national regionalisation framework. This initiative aims to provide the institutional and legal clarity needed to reassure trade partners and support South Africa’s export ambitions.
Securing Vaccine Supply through Public-Private Partnership
Vaccine security emerged as a critical concern. South Africa’s FMD vaccine bank is depleted, and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) lacks the capacity to meet demand. Since March, over R72 million has been spent on vaccine imports. Steenhuisen stressed the importance of investment, calling for a nationally managed, jointly funded vaccine bank. The private sector is being encouraged to co-finance procurement and support local manufacturing. Dr. Litha Magingxa, CEO of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), reported progress on a locally developed vaccine targeting Southern African strains, with plans for a high-security production facility.
Infrastructure, Biosecurity, and Movement Control
The Indaba also focused on strengthening biosecurity and animal movement control. Illegal animal movement—driven by inadequate infrastructure like local abattoirs and feedlots in protection zones—was identified as a key factor in FMD spread. Addressing these infrastructure gaps is seen as essential to reducing illicit movements and containing outbreaks.
Industry leaders voiced alarm. Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), stressed the urgency of reform, while Dr. Frikkie Maré of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) warned that current quarantine practices could ruin commercial farmers. The message was clear: practical, enforceable solutions and robust collaboration are essential.
From Indaba to Implementation
The Indaba’s goal was not just dialogue but decisive action. Steenhuisen committed to forming a dedicated team to consolidate the proposals into a time-bound operational plan. With 270 FMD cases across five provinces this year, including a recent outbreak in the Free State, urgency is paramount.
This Indaba represents a crucial step toward safeguarding animal health and reviving South Africa’s red meat industry. Whether the strategies discussed can be translated into lasting change will determine the sector’s future in global markets—and the livelihoods of countless farmers.