Pig farmers face heavy losses from FMD and African swine fever

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever are reducing sow numbers and increasing costs in the pig industry. The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation warns that current control measures, designed mainly for cattle, are placing additional strain on farmers while threatening animal welfare and farm profitability.

By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The pig industry is often overlooked when discussing the impact of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), yet the economic consequences for this sector are significant, and the lack of control measures tailored to its production systems is making the situation even more difficult.

This is according to Dr Marlene Louw, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), who spoke at a business brunch hosted by SAPPO in Cape Town on Wednesday, 22 April.

Animal diseases – particularly FMD and African swine fever (ASF) – currently pose the biggest risk to the industry, Louw said. This risk can also present opportunities, however, as producers who keep their herds disease-free may benefit from stronger profit margins as supply tightens.

Whereas FMD had not previously occurred at commercial piggeries, 16 outbreaks have been reported since November last year. Of these, seven were in KwaZulu-Natal, five in North West, two in the Free State, and one each in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. About 12 700 sows have been affected.

Dr Marlene Louw, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO). Photo: Michelle van der Spuy

Fortunately, no outbreaks have been reported among pigs in the Western Cape, Louw said. SAPPO believes that if cattle vaccination efforts remain effective, this could also help protect pig farms indirectly.

The industry has also been affected by an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) at five commercial piggeries located close to one another in northern Pretoria, where about 5 890 sows had to be culled.

In total, the industry has lost about 18 590 sows in production capacity. When taking into account the full production cycle and the weaners these animals would have produced, the impact exceeds 250 000 pigs.

Louw said some producers choose to exit the industry after outbreaks on their farms, particularly ASF outbreaks, resulting in fewer producers, and fewer pigs available for slaughter.

Also read: FMD | ‘I have no more tears left to cry’ – pig producer

FMD Protocols Creating Major Financial Pressure

Louw said the biggest impact of FMD on pig farms is not the virus itself but the control measures implemented to contain it. Protocols designed for cattle farms are currently applied to pig farms as well, creating several challenges.

Commercial piggeries are typically not located in areas where FMD outbreaks occur, and the current framework does not adequately address how pig farms should be managed, she said.

The disease usually moves through a herd within two to four weeks. After that, clinical signs disappear and the farm reaches so-called “day zero”. A state veterinarian must confirm that no clinical signs remain before controlled slaughter can begin.

At present, slaughter may only start from day 14, as no abattoirs are registered to slaughter pigs from affected farms earlier.

From day 14, carcasses must hang for at least 24 hours, all bones and major glands must be removed, and offal must be destroyed. The head, feet and tongue must also be removed and either heat-treated or destroyed.

These measures remain in place for up to six weeks after day zero, and only six designated abattoirs may slaughter pigs from affected farms.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), as well as the lack of abattoirs approved to slaughter clinically healthy animals from piggeries that have recovered from this disease, are losing piggeries many millions of rands. Photo: Supplied — Foot-and-mouth disease and the lack of abattoirs approved to slaughter clinically healthy animals from piggeries that have recovered from this disease are losing farmers many millions of rands. Photo: Supplied

Farmers can lose up to half the value of a carcass during this period. As a result, many producers delay slaughter until after six weeks, when only the head, feet and tongue – worth about R500 per pig – must still be destroyed.

From six weeks to three months after day zero, slaughter must still take place at designated abattoirs.

After three months, pigs may be slaughtered at any non-export abattoir. Bones may then be retained and offal kept, although the head, feet and tongue must still be destroyed for up to six months after day zero.

Farms remain under quarantine for a full year after an outbreak is reported. Louw argued that applying cattle protocols to pigs is unnecessarily punitive, as pigs typically recover within 14 days.

Discussions with government are under to explore shortening the quarantine period.

Also read: FMD and African swine fever impacting South Africa’s projected pork supplies

Animal Welfare Risks Increase as Slaughter Is Delayed

Another major concern is the impact of FMD measures on animal welfare. Instead of sending pigs to abattoirs weekly, producers may have to wait up to three months before animals can leave the farm.

According to a SAPPO simulation, a farm with 1 000 sows would have about 14 000 pigs by day zero. By week 13, this number could rise to nearly 21 000 pigs, increasing the risk of overcrowding.

Farmers are then forced to create additional space for the animals, sometimes by erecting shade netting between growing units. This has serious implications for animal welfare and management.

Overcrowding increases stress levels and can lead to behavioural problems such as ear and tail biting, and even cannibalism. Managing larger numbers of pigs at heavier slaughter weights – while receiving lower prices – also places strain on farmers’ cash flow.

SAPPO estimates losses at about R9 500 per sow. For a farm with 1 000 sows, this equates to a loss of R9.5 million if an FMD outbreak occurs and the current three-month slaughter protocol is followed.

Also read: FMD in piggeries: Cases increase but approvals for designated abattoirs still slow

Strengthened Biosecurity Response

Despite these challenges, Louw said the industry is better prepared than it was late last year. Strong biosecurity measures are already in place and continue to improve through initiatives such as Pork 360.

High pork prices and lower feed costs are also helping producers remain profitable – provided their herds stay healthy.

SAPPO expects an updated version of Section 9 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) to be introduced soon.

The organisation has worked with abattoirs to ensure that farms affected by FMD still have access to markets. Its involvement in managing the culling of 555 000 pigs during ASF outbreaks has strengthened collaboration with state veterinary services and improved preparedness for future outbreaks.

To try to mitigate the animal welfare impacts of overcrowding, Catherine and her piggery workers have had no choice but to erect temporary outdoor pens for some of the many excess animals. Photo: Supplied — The economic impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the pig industry is significant, and the lack of tailored control measures further complicates matters. Photo: Supplied

Vaccine Supply Remains Limited

Vaccine doses have been secured for some pig farms affected by FMD. According to Dr Thandi Chiappero, veterinarian and head of consumer assurance at SAPPO, both the Biogénesis Bagó and Dollvet vaccines can be used in pigs.

Vaccination is currently used only in response to outbreaks, not as a preventative measure, although there is growing interest in preventative vaccination.

Regarding vaccination prioritisation, Chiappero said these decisions were left to each province.

Supply remains a major constraint, as a single pig farm may require up to 20 000 doses. When supplies are limited, sows are usually prioritised to protect piglets.

The impact of vaccination on export markets remains uncertain, according to Chiappero, and producers are advised to engage directly with abattoirs on this issue.

She noted that pigs are globally recognised as “super-spreaders” of FMD. Commercial pig farms are generally isolated, however, and transmission between farms is uncommon.