A statement issued by three organisations affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has called on role players to work together and bury the hatchet in the face of the crisis.
By Vida Booysen, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Livestock farmers in South Africa are currently facing the most severe challenge the industry has seen since the rinderpest outbreak of 1892, according to a joint press statement released on Tuesday, 22 January. The statement was issued by Kobus Bester, chair of the Stud Breeders Federation (SBF), Elmarie Prinsloo, CEO of the Bloem Show, and Willie de Jager, chair of the SA Interbreed Judges’ Association. They warn that there is no “miracle solution” and that the industry must respond in a united and pragmatic manner.
“Competent leadership and strong cooperation between the industry, private veterinarians and government departments are of critical importance,” the statement reads.
The call for unity and pragmatism follows the cancellation of the cattle and small-stock competitions at the 2026 Bloem Show as a result of the current wave of FMD outbreaks. As the country’s largest agricultural show, the Bloem Show serves as a key marketing platform for breeders and their societies. The cancellation of these competitions due to the FMD crisis has dealt a significant blow to breeders.
Also read: Bloem Show cancels 2026 cattle and small stock show due to FMD
Concrete Steps Proposed
The three organisations proposed measures to address the crisis:
- The rapid importation and administration of suitable DIVA vaccines. The antibodies produced by these vaccines can be more clearly distinguished from those produced by the virus itself.
- The submission of South African field serotypes of the virus to The Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom to independently determine vaccine effectiveness.
- The implementation of strict protocols allowing only animals that are correctly vaccinated, recorded and fully traceable to participate in shows and stud livestock auctions.
The statement makes it clear that veterinarians and animal health practitioners should manage the crisis and ensure that protocols are applied consistently.
WATCH | Neo Brian Rasehlo talks to us about FMD (Setswana and English)
Towards a New Normal
The three industry leaders have set a goal of returning to a “new normal” by the end of May 2026, in which only traceable, vaccinated animals will once again be allowed to participate in shows, expos and public events.
They emphasised that all FMD vaccinations must be up to date and that the industry should focus on the solutions currently available, rather than searching for quick fixes that do not exist.
In the statement, the leaders also expressed their appreciation to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen for his acknowledgement of and attention to “one of the pillars of the South African livestock industry, the stud breeding sector”, during this period.
Also read:
FMD | Experts urge caution with farmers’ ‘tiger heart’ syndrome diagnoses
Veterinarians warn: Nanosilver products are misleading farmers about FMD treatment
FMD | Practical biosecurity advice from North West vets
