NAMPO 2026 Highlights Urgent Need for Stronger Foot and Mouth Disease Control in South Africa

Day two of NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 placed major focus on one of the biggest threats facing South Africa’s livestock industry, foot and mouth disease. The discussion gained national attention as John Steenhuisen participated in an important Nation in Conversation session titled “FMD: One Outbreak, Many Consequences.” The session explored the serious impact that animal disease outbreaks can have on agriculture, trade and food security. Industry leaders, government officials and agricultural stakeholders used the platform to examine the growing need for stronger disease prevention systems. The discussion also highlighted the importance of cooperation between government and the private sector in protecting South Africa’s livestock economy.

Foot and mouth disease remains one of the most damaging animal diseases affecting the global agricultural sector. The disease spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, often leading to severe economic losses for farmers and exporters. South Africa has experienced several outbreaks in recent years, placing pressure on the country’s meat exports and animal health systems. During the discussion, experts explained how even a single outbreak can trigger trade restrictions from international markets. These restrictions can affect farmers, processors, transporters and rural communities that depend on livestock production for income.

The Nation in Conversation session focused heavily on the economic consequences linked to foot and mouth disease outbreaks. Stakeholders discussed how disease outbreaks damage investor confidence and weaken South Africa’s agricultural reputation in international markets. Export bans on meat and livestock products can result in millions of rand in losses across the agricultural value chain. Farmers often face additional financial pressure from quarantine measures, livestock movement restrictions and veterinary compliance costs. The session emphasized that maintaining strong animal health systems is essential for protecting jobs and sustaining economic growth in the agricultural sector.

Speakers at the event also stressed the reputational risks associated with recurring disease outbreaks. South Africa’s livestock industry competes in highly regulated international markets where animal health standards are strictly monitored. Frequent outbreaks can create uncertainty among trading partners and reduce confidence in the country’s disease management capabilities. Participants noted that rebuilding international trust after outbreaks often takes significant time and financial investment. This reality has increased calls for more proactive and coordinated disease control strategies across the country.

Prevention and early intervention formed a major part of the discussions during the NAMPO session. Experts highlighted the importance of surveillance systems, vaccination programmes and rapid response mechanisms in controlling the spread of foot and mouth disease. Farmers were encouraged to report suspected cases immediately and follow all veterinary protocols related to animal movement and quarantine regulations. Biosecurity practices on farms were also identified as critical tools for preventing infections. These include controlling visitor access, disinfecting equipment and monitoring livestock health regularly.

Government’s role in strengthening animal health systems was another central issue discussed during the session. Minister Steenhuisen acknowledged the importance of improving veterinary services and ensuring that resources are available for disease control operations. Stakeholders stressed that stronger collaboration between national departments, provincial authorities and private industry is necessary to improve response times during outbreaks. Investment in veterinary infrastructure, laboratory testing and farmer education was identified as a priority area. Participants also emphasized the need for consistent communication between authorities and farmers to reduce confusion during disease emergencies.

Industry leaders at NAMPO 2026 argued that the private sector also has a major responsibility in controlling animal diseases. Commercial farmers, emerging producers and livestock associations were encouraged to strengthen compliance with biosecurity standards and animal traceability systems. The discussion highlighted that disease prevention cannot succeed without active participation from all sectors of the livestock industry. Cooperation between producers and veterinary authorities remains essential for protecting national herds and maintaining export market access. Shared responsibility was repeatedly identified as the foundation of an effective disease management system.

The session further highlighted the broader impact of foot and mouth disease on food security and rural livelihoods. Livestock farming supports thousands of households across South Africa, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a major source of employment. Disease outbreaks can disrupt supply chains, reduce meat production and increase financial hardship for farming communities. Small-scale and emerging farmers are often among the hardest hit because they may have limited resources to recover from production losses. Strengthening disease prevention systems therefore has direct social and economic importance beyond commercial agriculture.

NAMPO 2026 once again demonstrated its role as a major platform for addressing critical agricultural issues facing South Africa. The discussion on foot and mouth disease brought together government leaders, farmers and industry experts in a united effort to strengthen the country’s animal health systems. Participants agreed that stronger prevention strategies, improved veterinary services and greater industry cooperation are necessary to reduce future outbreaks. The session also reinforced the importance of protecting South Africa’s agricultural reputation and export markets through effective disease management. As the country continues to face animal health challenges, the conversations held at NAMPO 2026 may play an important role in shaping future agricultural policy and livestock protection strategies.