Smaller producers and communal farmers should prioritise implementing robust biosecurity practices, which include maintaining good hygiene, restricting animal movement, establishing quarantine protocols for new animals and ensuring that all animals are properly identified.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor of African Farming
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to pose a serious threat to South Africa’s livestock industry. Despite years of recurring outbreaks and the resultant economic setbacks, misinformation and misunderstanding about the disease remain widespread within farming communities, significantly hampering efforts to control and prevent its spread.
In a recent statement, Beefmaster Group highlighted that more than six years after FMD first infiltrated South Africa’s commercial cattle herds, progress in managing and eliminating the disease has been persistently derailed by fresh outbreaks, which are often triggered by the movement of infected animals.
Although insufficient compliance with preventative protocols is often cited as a significant factor, Jaco Liebenberg, Senior Section Manager at Beefmaster Group, argued that the issue goes deeper. “FMD is difficult to identify because symptoms aren’t always obvious,” he explained. “And this, coupled with ongoing misinformation, makes controlling the disease even more difficult.”
Liebenberg stressed the critical role that farmers play in both containing the disease and detecting it early. “There must be no misunderstanding about what early symptoms look like, how to respond quickly and how to reduce the chances of exposing herds to FMD. Without this clarity, our ability to fight the disease is severely compromised.”
King Ramokala, an Animal Health Specialist at Beefmaster Group, urged farmers to remain vigilant for early signs of FMD, which include fever, excessive salivation and the appearance of blisters or vesicles, particularly in the mouth and on the feet.
“Early detection is critical, and a rapid response within the first 48 hours is essential to contain the disease and prevent an outbreak,” he emphasised. “If you suspect your cattle may be infected, you should immediately report it to the relevant authorities, including your local veterinarian or state veterinary services. It is also important to isolate suspected animals right away and restrict any movement of livestock and potentially contaminated materials on your premises.”
King advised that biosecurity is key to reducing the risk of infection. Regardless of how far away your farm is from the nearest registered outbreak, access should be limited to essential personnel only. Implement rigorous hygiene protocols and disinfect all equipment and vehicles to mitigate risk.
Also read: Animal health: Biosecurity is the best form of defence
How FMD Is Spread
Understanding how FMD spreads is vital to preventing an outbreak on your farm.
“The disease spreads through direct contact and bodily fluids such as saliva, mucus, faeces, milk and urine. The virus can also be transmitted by environmental factors, including cooler weather (under 37°C), wind and mist, which affect its survival and spread,” explained King.
He warns that the disease can easily exploit gaps in farm protocols, particularly those related to inadequate biosecurity measures. Common oversights include a lack of hygiene protocols for visitors, failing to isolate new animals for at least 30 days, poor herd surveillance that leads farmers to overlook symptoms, and not being cautious about the sources from which they purchase cattle.
The prevalence of new FMD outbreaks, which can be traced back to livestock auctions, highlights the importance of responsible cattle movement in preventing disease spread.
“Unnecessary movement of animals should be avoided,” said King. “If animals must be moved, transport vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after offloading and before loading new cattle. Disinfection must be performed using registered disinfectants in accordance with the Government Gazette of 13 June 2025. In the event of an outbreak, all movement should cease completely.”
King stressed that these measures are crucial for both commercial-scale and small-scale operations.
“The size of the farming operation does not matter. Smaller producers and communal farmers should prioritise enhanced biosecurity measures, including maintaining good hygiene practices, restricting animal movement, implementing quarantine protocols for new animals and ensuring that animals are properly identified,” he concluded.
Read “Important facts you should know about foot-and-mouth disease” by the Department of Agriculture.
