The red meat industry has assured meat lovers and consumers as a whole that it is safe to eat meat, even in the peak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak currently causing havoc in the country.
Chief executive officer of the Red Meat Producers Organisation, Dr Frikkie Maré, said FMD is not a zoonosis (an infectious disease that jumps from an animal to humans), so the meat remains safe for human consumption.
“The reason animals are quarantined while they have the virus and do not get slaughtered while positive is to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals.
“Since it is a highly contagious virus, it can be spread if infected products are discarded in a way that allows other cloven-hoofed animals to come into contact with them. The chances of it spreading that way are very slim, but it does exist,” he explained.
Safe slaughtering practices
According to Maré, in principle, farmers should not slaughter “sick” animals. “Not only due to FMD, but any animal that is unhealthy at the time of slaughter does not sound appetising for consumers. To ensure healthy animals are slaughtered to deliver the best possible product, a number of checks and balances are in place.
“The first is that the owner of the animals, whether a farmer or a feedlot, must submit a health declaration with the animals when they are sent for slaughter. They have to confirm the animal’s health status and declare that all withdrawal periods for any medications administered to the animal were adhered to.”
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Maré said biosecurity is not only about FMD, but about all animal diseases.
“I do think the FMD situation made producers more aware of the biosecurity measures they already had in place and what is still needed. Future outbreaks of any disease can only be prevented by robust biosecurity measures and rapid action to contain them as soon as possible,” he said.
Vaccination is crucial
Meanwhile, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, chief executive officer of the South African Regulatory Health Product Authority (SAHPRA), said the health of the country’s livestock is critical to food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of our farmers.
“By granting Section 21 authorisation for the importation of FMD vaccines, SAHPRA is ensuring that veterinarians and farmers have timely access to safe, effective, and scientifically approved tools to protect animals against this highly contagious and devastating disease.
“Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act provides a mechanism for the controlled importation of medicines and vaccines not yet registered in South Africa, under strict regulatory oversight,” Makokotlela said.
In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is working around the clock to ensure that vaccines reach farmers as soon as possible.
“FMD spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, feed, and even via wildlife carriers. Outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions, quarantines, trade limitations, and increased compliance costs for farmers.
“Loss of South Africa’s FMD-free status can trigger immediate export bans on livestock and related products, affecting foreign revenue losses,” he stated.
Dr Bothle Modisane, chief director for animal health at the national department of agriculture, assured the farming community that every vaccine authorised for use in the country undergoes careful evaluation for safety, efficacy, especially against locally circulating strains and quality. Modisane added that they are optimistic that the disease will be contained.
“Our collaboration with SAHPRA reflects the importance of partnerships in safeguarding animal health,” Modisane said.
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