With the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) threatening South Africa’s red meat industry, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has announced the activation of a centralised operational centre (OC) at its Pretoria headquarters.
This OC, led by a dedicated RMIS veterinarian, will serve as the nerve centre for managing the crisis. It will coordinate efforts of veterinary professionals, industry stakeholders, and a specialist public relations and affairs agency under the newly formed FMD working group.
Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, noted that the outbreak comes at a critical juncture for the red meat industry, and RMIS is taking decisive action to safeguard the industry’s future.
Coordinated red meat industry response
“This is a defining moment for the red meat industry. RMIS was established precisely for a time like this – to provide coordinated leadership, technical expertise, and practical solutions in close collaboration with government and industry partners. Our unified efforts today will shape a more secure, sustainable, and competitive future for the industry,” he said.
Related stories
- Livestock, crops at risk as farmers battle snow and rain
- R72 million vaccine plan bolsters FMD response
- FMD flare-up hits SA beef exports, sparks trade fears
According to the RMIS, the immediate priorities for the OC include finalising a three-month emergency framework, aimed at reducing urgent risks and preparing for a sustained response.
Key pillars of the medium-term plan include:
- Expanding veterinary capacity for improved disease control
- Establishing FMD-free livestock compartments for supply to red meat abattoirs across the country
The entity stated that the strategy also relies on closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. With South Africa’s public veterinary services under strain, the FMD working group aims to bolster efforts through targeted public-private partnerships (PPPs), leveraging private sector know-how and resources.
Key responsibilities of the operational centre
Other critical tasks under the OC include:
- Coordination with the joint operations centre (JOC): Ensuring alignment across government and industry.
- Review of the government contingency plan: The FMD working group will evaluate and provide feedback on the department’s proposed strategy.
- Development of a local vaccine production strategy: This includes funding assessments, implementation timelines, and industry-supported financing models.
- Centralised communication: The appointed veterinarian will serve as the single point of contact, reporting directly to RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier.
- Electronic movement permit system: A basic, structured farmer declaration system will be introduced, communicated, and enforced to monitor livestock movement.
READ NEXT: Biosecurity threats push meat industry to the brink
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
