Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a serious concern for South Africa’s livestock sector, but authorities emphasise that consumers do not need to panic. According to the National Department of Agriculture, red meat remains safe to eat when it is properly handled and cooked, and strict control measures are in place to prevent the virus from spreading through the food chain.
By Talitha Janse van Vuuren, multimedia editor at African Farming
While FMD is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, it is not considered a public health risk and is not readily transmitted to humans. The greater concern lies in the virus spreading between animals, which can have serious consequences for farmers, livestock production and trade.
From farm to plate
The Department of Agriculture explains that controlling FMD does not stop at the farm. What happens during slaughter and meat processing is just as important in preventing the virus from spreading.
The virus that causes FMD can survive in untreated meat, particularly in bone marrow and lymph nodes, if proper virus inactivation processes are not followed. For this reason, strict protocols are applied when animals from high-risk areas are slaughtered.
Specially designated abattoirs are authorised to process animals from these areas. These facilities follow regulated treatment procedures designed to inactivate the virus before meat enters the market.
Once these processes have been completed, the meat can safely move through the supply chain and even be exported to countries that recognise South Africa’s treatment protocols.
Also read: Biosecurity and economic survival as dual pillars in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control
Safe meat handling at home
Consumers also play an important role in ensuring meat safety through proper food preparation.
Authorities recommend that meat should first be deboned and have lymph glands removed, and then be cooked at temperatures above 70°C for at least 30 minutes to ensure safe consumption.
Meat purchased legally from registered butcheries and retail outlets in South Africa already meets strict safety standards and can therefore be handled like any other meat product in the kitchen.
Biosecurity remains critical
Although FMD does not pose a threat to human health, the disease remains one of the most serious risks to livestock production.
One of the main ways the virus spreads between animals is through human movement. The virus can be carried on clothing, hands, shoes or equipment after contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
Farmers, farm workers and visitors are therefore urged to follow strict hygiene and biosecurity measures when moving between farms or handling livestock.
People who have been around infected or affected animals should handle livestock carefully, practise proper hygiene and follow guidance from their local State Veterinary Office.
Authorities also warn that animals slaughtered at home for personal consumption may not go through the specialised virus inactivation processes used at designated abattoirs. While the meat itself remains safe for people to eat, improper handling could still allow the virus to spread to other animals.
Also read: Private vet leads FMD awareness drive in Madibeng
Protecting livestock and livelihoods
The National Department of Agriculture emphasises that responsible behaviour across the agricultural value chain is essential to controlling the disease.
Using approved slaughter facilities, following veterinary guidance and maintaining strict hygiene practices can all help limit the spread of FMD.
By working together – from farmers and processors to consumers – the sector can protect livestock, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and support South Africa’s food security.
For more information or to report concerns, the FMD Control Centre can be contacted toll-free on 0860 246 640.
Source: National Department of Agriculture
Also read: FMD awareness | How foot-and-mouth disease spreads
(toll-free): 0860 246 640
