By Lebogang Mashala
Everyone was shocked when Karan Beef confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its large feedlot facility in Heidelberg, located in the southeastern part of Gauteng. This outbreak adds to the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa’s cattle and beef industry due to this highly contagious viral infection.
As a precaution, the company has completely halted the intake of animals at the Heidelberg facility. Despite the advanced biosecurity measures already in place, the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease means all approximately 150 000 cattle at the site must be quarantined for at least the next 28 days.
This news has caused widespread panic across the country, as many grapple with the implications of this event. While various experts offer opinions and try to reassure the public, it is challenging for anyone to remain calm when such an outbreak can occur at a facility like Karan Beef’s. If it can happen there, who is safe?
Karan Beef’s Heidelberg feedlot, spanning 2 330 hectares, is the largest in the world. As South Africa’s leading beef brand, it supplies most of the country’s recognised retailers as well as premier butchers and restaurants. The company has built its reputation, in part, on its stringent biosecurity measures. Notably, Karan Beef was the first beef producer in South Africa to achieve Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food standards accreditation. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, HACCP is a globally recognised, systematic and science-based approach to food safety that addresses biological, chemical and physical hazards throughout the food chain.
As we await further information regarding this situation and its impact, it is crucial that we all do our part to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread, in order to avoid exacerbating an already dire situation.
Experts have proposed numerous solutions to address this issue. One key suggestion is the establishment of an urgent operational control room dedicated to quickly mapping new outbreaks of highly contagious animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease. This would enable the implementation of immediate and coordinated control measures.
Dr Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinary Network at the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, stated that this control room should be staffed by individuals responsible for recording new outbreaks and tracking daily steps, including further testing and vaccinations by region and province. This data could be visualised on maps to effectively monitor the extent of foot-and-mouth disease. By doing so, action plans and resources can be efficiently coordinated to halt the spread of the disease.
Many remember the serious outbreak in 2019, which occurred just a year before the Covid-19 pandemic and led to the suspension of auctions – a significant blow to farmers.
As was the case during the Covid-19 crisis, farmers must now reinforce their biosecurity measures and comply with regulations. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has emphasised the need for stricter measures regarding the movement of animals. He urged everyone to report any suspected clinical symptoms – such as excessive salivation, mouth blisters, limping, or hoof lesions – to the local State Veterinarian immediately. Affected animals must not be moved under any circumstances.
The Minister also highlighted essential biosecurity measures, such as limiting or postponing the introduction of new animals. If introducing new animals is absolutely necessary, they should only come from known clean farms with a health declaration.
Other suggested measures include preventing nose-to-nose contact between farm animals and those outside the farm, maintaining secure farm boundaries, and restricting access for people and vehicles whenever possible.
If we all do our part, the sooner we can return to our normal lives. Let us come together and combat this issue. This too shall pass!
