Will Foot-and-Mouth Disease Devastate South African Farmers?

The ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province is causing significant distress among farmers as it threatens livestock health and economic stability. This highly contagious virus has resulted in the culling of many cattle to prevent its spread, impacting livelihoods and leading to international trade restrictions. The government has declared this situation a national disaster, aiming to implement a vaccination strategy to control the disease, but farmers remain doubtful about the timely delivery of vaccines.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has escalated into a national disaster as it spreads across South Africa, affecting livestock and causing widespread anxiety among farmers. With the disease declared a national emergency, the government has committed to implementing a mass vaccination programme. However, many farmers are losing faith in the government's ability to deliver timely solutions, leading to fears of economic collapse in the agricultural sector.

Key takeaways

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has affected eight out of nine provinces in South Africa.
The government has declared it a national disaster to expedite vaccination efforts.
Farmers are concerned about potential long-term impacts on their livelihoods.
Vaccines are being imported, but delays in distribution remain a pressing issue.
Foot-and-mouth disease is not harmful to humans but devastating for livestock health.

Timeline: how we got here

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has rapidly spread through South Africa's livestock since it was first identified in early 2023. Key milestones include:

January 2023: Initial reports of foot-and-mouth disease cases emerge in KwaZulu-Natal.
March 2023: The disease spreads to multiple provinces, affecting thousands of cattle.
August 2023: The outbreak is declared a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
October 2023: A million vaccines are expected to arrive from Argentina, although distribution challenges remain.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments include the government's commitment to a mass vaccination plan and the release of additional funds to combat the outbreak. A shipment of vaccines is set to arrive shortly, but farmers remain skeptical about the efficacy and speed of the vaccination efforts.

What was already established

Foot-and-mouth disease has long been recognised as a significant risk to livestock health. The current outbreak has highlighted existing vulnerabilities, particularly the lack of domestic vaccine production capabilities, which has forced reliance on imports.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate effects of the outbreak are felt primarily in South Africa, there could be indirect impacts on UK consumers. Trade restrictions against South African livestock products may affect meat supply chains, leading to potential price increases and reduced availability in UK markets.

Businesses and jobs

The agriculture sector, although a smaller part of the national economy, is a vital employer in rural areas. The ongoing crisis threatens jobs in farming and related industries, with small-scale farmers particularly at risk of financial ruin. If the outbreak continues unchecked, it could lead to further job losses across the sector.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may need to monitor the situation closely, considering trade implications and food safety regulations. Any significant changes in import policies could affect UK food supply chains, making it crucial for policymakers to stay informed about developments in South Africa.

Numbers that matter

14 million: Estimated number of cattle in South Africa's national herd.
50: Number of cows showing signs of disease on one affected farm.
380: Cost in USD (£280) spent per cow on treatment during the outbreak.
5: Number of provinces currently experiencing severe outbreaks.
10 years: Timeframe set by the government to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.

Definitions and jargon buster

Foot-and-mouth disease: A contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, characterised by blisters and lesions.
Biosecurity: Preventative measures designed to protect against the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.
Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to help the body develop immunity against a disease.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Farmers should prepare for the arrival of vaccines and establish communication with local authorities to ensure timely distribution. Monitoring livestock health closely will be crucial in mitigating further spread.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As vaccination efforts ramp up, farmers should plan for potential fluctuations in livestock productivity and market prices. Keeping abreast of government updates can help farmers adapt their strategies accordingly.

Signals to watch

The arrival and distribution of vaccines from Argentina.
Government announcements regarding vaccination progress and disease containment measures.
Changes in trade regulations affecting livestock exports from South Africa.

Practical guidance

Do

Implement strict biosecurity measures on farms to protect livestock.
Stay informed about vaccination schedules and government updates.
Monitor cattle health regularly and report any signs of disease immediately.

Don’t

Neglect biosecurity protocols, as this increases the risk of spreading the disease.
Assume that the situation will resolve without proactive measures.
Ignore government communications regarding disease management strategies.

Checklist

Have biosecurity measures in place and regularly review them.
Establish a communication plan with local veterinary services.
Keep records of cattle health and any treatments administered.
Stay updated on government policies regarding the outbreak.
Prepare for potential changes in market conditions and pricing.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The outbreak is dynamic, and the situation may change rapidly. Delays in vaccine distribution or unforeseen complications in livestock health could exacerbate the crisis. Additionally, trade restrictions may evolve based on the outbreak's severity, impacting farmers' livelihoods and market access.

Bottom line

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa poses significant risks to livestock health and farmers' livelihoods. With the government working to implement vaccination strategies, timely action and adherence to biosecurity measures will be crucial in mitigating the impact of this crisis on the agricultural sector and beyond.

FAQs

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing painful lesions and reducing their productivity.

How does foot-and-mouth disease spread?

The disease spreads through direct contact between animals or via contaminated feed and water sources.

What are the economic impacts of the outbreak?

The outbreak threatens farmers' livelihoods, impacts export opportunities, and may lead to job losses in the agricultural sector.