Foot-and-Mouth Disease Isn’t Beating Farmers, the System Is

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals and spreads fast through movement, contact, and contaminated equipment. In cattle, it causes painful lesions in the mouth and feet, leading to severe production losses. Outbreaks are becoming more frequent and harder to contain, placing enormous pressure on farmers and the industry.

“I have received many pleas for help, from commercial to communal farmers, who have borne the heavy burden of the recent FMD outbreaks in the country,” said Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

Is time the biggest enemy in the FMD fight?

For many farmers, the answer is yes.

When FMD is suspected, the case must be reported to a state veterinarian. Farmers then wait for an official visit, sampling, and laboratory confirmation. Test results can take two weeks or longer. Vaccines used in South Africa are sourced mainly from the Botswana Vaccine Institute and stored and distributed through Onderstepoort Biological Products. Vaccination is tightly controlled and may only be carried out by state veterinarians, or private veterinarians acting under government authorisation. 

Water-based FMD vaccines protect animals for about four months and often require boosters. Oil-based vaccines last longer, up to 12–18 months, and are more effective for outbreak control. However, a vaccine that arrives late is of limited value, regardless of how effective it is.

“Onderstepoort Biological Products, the state institution that produced sufficient vaccines for decades, can no longer meet demand due to poor management,” said Dr Wynand Boshoff, Freedom Front Plus MP and chief spokesperson for agriculture.

Will foot-and-mouth disease stay one step ahead of the system?

The government’s new 10-year FMD plan promises phased, targeted vaccination, stronger surveillance, expanded laboratory capacity, and improved movement control, with vaccination focused on high-risk zones rather than nationally. The goal is freedom from FMD through vaccination, recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. However, industry concerns remain around slow implementation, limited vaccine supply, and weak response capacity.

The consequence for livestock auctions

Once a suspected case is reported, movement restrictions are applied, which can lead to auctions being postponed or cancelled. With laboratory confirmation taking two weeks or longer, trading activity is often paused during a critical period. This can affect cash flow, buyer participation, and prices, even in areas outside confirmed outbreak zones.

The takeaway

In an environment shaped by uncertainty and restrictions, a rapid response isn’t optional, it’s necessary for survival. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead. Check upcoming auctions regularly for updated schedules or regional changes. Clear visibility help the market function, even when conditions remain challenging. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences about the current outbreak.

Email us on info@auctioncalendar.co.za