EXPLAINER | What is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and how it affects us

Simply put, it’s a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

Almost all provinces in South Africa have been affected. However, the epicentre is in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly due to communal farming practices and challenges with biosecurity measures in the province. 

Since the President’s address, the outbreak has been declared a national disaster. This declaration enables a coordinated national response and the allocation of additional resources to address the crisis.

How is it transmitted?

The virus spreads through airborne particles and droplets, direct contact between infected and uninfected animals and indirectly via humans. People who handle infected animals or equipment used on infected animals can unknowingly transmit the virus to healthy livestock.

Fortunately, foot-and-mouth disease does not infect humans. However, it has serious consequences for people. Farmers who rely on livestock for their livelihoods are directly affected and consumers also feel the impact.

Prevention primarily involves strict biosecurity measures and vaccination.

Vaccination was a key focus in President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, particularly the rollout of a national vaccination programme to contain the outbreak.

Critics argue that government’s response has been delayed, noting that the agricultural sector has raised concerns for several months. The outbreak began last year.

While this is not the first FMD outbreak in South Africa, it is arguably one of the most severe.

Some believe valuable time was lost before decisive action was taken. Government, however, maintains that the important thing is that the response is now underway.

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Economic impact

The biggest impact of foot-and-mouth disease is economic. The livestock sector accounts for roughly half of South Africa’s agricultural economy. One of the country’s major beef producers, Karan Beef, based in Heidelberg, exports significant quantities of beef across Africa.

Any disruption to production affects revenue, export capacity and by extension, the broader South African economy.

Infected animals also produce less milk, which affects dairy production. For consumers, this means potential shortages of red meat and dairy products.

Basic economics tells us that when supply decreases while demand remains steady or increases, prices rise. We have already seen food prices, particularly red meat, contribute to inflationary pressures toward the end of last year.

So what is the proposed solution?

President Ramaphosa announced the rollout of vaccines.

Approximately 14 million cattle in the national herd need to be vaccinated over a 12-month period. This will require 28 million doses. Local vaccine production is expected to resume, alongside imports, potentially from Botswana and Argentina.

The goal is to vaccinate at least 80% of the 14 million cattle within the year. It will take time before the full impact of this intervention is felt.

There has also been criticism of the plan to centralise vaccine procurement and distribution through the state rather than allowing private procurement.

Farmers are concerned about potential delays due to administrative processes. Government argues, however, that centralisation allows for better coordination of resources and could create short-term jobs, as additional personnel will be needed to administer the vaccines.

Ultimately, the success of the response will depend on how efficiently the vaccination programme is implemented and whether it can stabilise the livestock sector in the months ahead.