Despite South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic having infected some commercial piggeries since November, three months later the industry is reportedly still struggling to have state veterinary health authorities approve abattoirs that can process pigs originating from piggeries infected with this virus.

By Lloyd Phillips, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) said in a statement there are now seven confirmed or suspected cases of FMD in commercial piggeries in the Free State, North West and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Of these, three cases showed clinical signs but, due to a long laboratory lead time, serology results are not yet available.”

SAPPO says the lack of FMD-designated abattoirs is “the single most important factor” currently hindering the controlled slaughter of clinically healthy animals from infected piggeries.

Engagement with National and Provincial Health Authorities

The organisation continues to engage with national and provincial veterinary health authorities in its ongoing efforts to expedite the approval of such abattoirs.

SAPPO says it is also engaging with a range of stakeholders on key issues related to managing FMD outbreaks in commercial piggeries. Such issues include updating the existing contingency plan to better reflect the specific dynamics of pig production, developing a conceptual framework for implementing an on-farm vaccination protocol against FMD, and determining appropriate quarantine timelines after clinical signs of FMD resolve and there are no new cases.

State veterinary authorities are reportedly still working to also contain the four outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) that have been confirmed among pigs in Gauteng since November.

“The public is reminded that ASF and FMD do not pose a risk to human health. Pork and its products available through formal marketing channels remain safe for consumption and continue to be subject to strict veterinary inspection and food safety controls.

“Although only a relatively small number of piggeries have been affected by recent disease outbreaks, the impact remains significant and there is an almost continuous spread of both ASF and FMD. This is resulting in notable value chain disruptions and will contribute to a tighter pork supply in 2026.”

African Farming has submitted a request to SAPPO for further details and information regarding the content of the organisation’s most recent statement. African Farming will report SAPPO’s replies to this request as soon as they are made available.