A month after the department of agriculture appointed a task team to tackle the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, some farmers remain dissatisfied with government efforts, calling for more decisive action and improved support to curb the escalating crisis.
Last month, the minister of agriculture and rural development, John Steenhuisen, announced a series of critical interventions aimed at curbing persistent FMD outbreaks across several provinces, including the appointment of a dedicated task team.
He revealed that “the task team will ensure better coordination, enforcement and accountability in tackling animal disease outbreaks.”
Is FMD out of control?
Notwithstanding the appointment, FMD cases have continued to surge, with four new confirmed outbreaks in Kroonstad, Viljoenskroon, Edenville and Cornelia/Frankfort, bringing the total to 42 confirmed infections in the Free State alone.
In light of these ongoing challenges, the deputy director-general (DDG) for agricultural production, biosecurity and natural resources management at the South African department of agriculture, Dipepeneneng Serage, told Food For Mzansi that vaccination is one of the critical measures being deployed as an immediate and short-term strategy.
“Since the appointment of the task team, private farmers and commodity organisations will be allowed to acquire vaccines to build a vaccine bank, but under the control of the government. This will assist the government to focus resources on the communal sector.
“Farms under quarantine are being evacuated to assess and study the epidemiology of the virus. Information is being gathered from commercial farms to inform new biosecurity measures,” Serage said.
Looking ahead, Serage outlined a vision for enhanced livestock management in South Africa. He indicated that other medium-term plans include individual identification and tracking of all animals nationwide, followed by dividing the country into biosecurity regions.
He also announced progress in vaccine production and regulatory updates, noting that the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) would begin producing FMD vaccines from April 2026.
Furthermore, the Animal Health Act would replace the current Animals Diseases Act, enabling provincial departments to tailor engagement structures to their specific provincial needs.
“The task team is not meant to replace the government,” Serage said. “The provincial departments of agriculture are working with farmers to prevent and control disease once it occurs. It was never the intention of the task team to visit farmers.”
Related stories
- FMD: SA’s meat future hinges on biosecurity overhaul
- Communal grazing worsens FMD outbreak in Free State
- FMD failures spark alarm at Pretoria crisis talks
- How indigenous essential oils can drive jobs, food security
Government shortfalls
Despite these interventions, some farmers remain dissatisfied with the response.
Cobus van Coller, whose Libanon farm in the Viljoenskroon, Free State, lies within the quarantine zone, has taken extra biosecurity measures such as foot baths and disinfectant sprays for workers and vehicles; steps the department has urged all farmers, auctioneers, and speculators to adopt.
However, Van Coller highlighted significant government shortcomings. He explained that there are some delays because the vaccine manufacturers are currently unable to meet demand.
“It is actually impossible for them to produce enough vaccines right now. By March next year, they expect to make 20 000 doses per month, but that is far too little to address the outbreak effectively.
“This is where the department is failing. Also, they do not have quarantine guards or checkpoints to prevent illegal livestock movement on the roads to monitor infected animals at night.”
Farmer Cobus van Coller
He also mentioned the need for research regarding livestock taken to the abattoir within five to six months after vaccination. At present, farmers have to discard the fifth quarter, the head and feet, and pay an extra R1 000.
He said research is needed to shorten this period to six weeks after vaccination, plus another six weeks before slaughter, which would eliminate both the penalty and the disposal of these parts.
“Also, there is nothing wrong with the meat. That is another thing the department can help us explain to consumers that the meat is perfectly safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, a farmer from Delmas in Mpumalanga, Mbongeni Moyo, told Food For Mzansi that although his farm is not affected by FMD as they vaccinate and deworm on a seasonal basis, they have not been contacted by anyone from the government and feel that “they are not doing enough.”
READ NEXT: Fast lane to compliance: Pesticide permits now online in SA
