Octavoscene (Pty) Ltd is set to host a landmark Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Symposium on 31 July 2026 at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. This intensive one-day session arrives at a critical juncture for the South African livestock sector, which continues to face significant export barriers and internal movement restrictions due to ongoing FMD challenges.
The symposium provides a rare opportunity to engage with a premier lineup of prominent global and regional authorities on the disease:
Dr. Donald King: Head of the FAO World Reference Laboratory for FMD at The Pirbright Institute, UK , specializing in molecular epidemiology and diagnostics to track the virus.
Dr. Jonathan Arzt: Lead scientist at the USDA’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center, USA , focusing on FMD pathogenesis and advanced outbreak management.
Dr. Chris Ashworth: Global director of research and technical nutrition services for the Zinpro beef team based in the USA.
Prof. Armanda Bastos: Distinguished molecular biologist and epidemiologist leading critical FMD research that directly informs slaughter regulations at the University of Pretoria.
Dr. Livio Heath: Research Team Manager overseeing vital vaccine production operations at the Agricultural Research Council’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.
Beyond high-level perspectives, the event addresses practical solutions for South African producers and veterinary professionals. Discussions will delve into local surveillance, the feasibility of expanded regional biosecurity zones, and vaccine efficacy. For an industry striving to regain its international “FMD-free” status, these expert technical insights will be instrumental in shaping future containment and eradication policies.