Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reform Brings New National Control Framework for South African Livestock Sector

South Africa’s livestock industry is set for a major shift after Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen approved new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease control measures designed to simplify outbreak management and reduce unnecessary economic damage. The updated framework introduces a single, integrated system that replaces older directives and fragmented protocols that were previously used to manage outbreaks. Farmers, veterinarians and state veterinary authorities will now work under one clear set of rules that define how disease is detected, contained and resolved. The reforms aim to balance animal health protection with the need to keep farming operations economically viable. This approach reflects growing pressure to modernise disease control systems while protecting rural livelihoods.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains one of the most serious threats to livestock production, with the ability to shut down trade, disrupt supply chains and cause severe financial losses across farming communities. The new measures recognise this risk and introduce a more structured and science-based response system. Instead of broad restrictions that often lasted longer than necessary, the updated framework allows for more precise control based on actual risk levels and recovery timelines. Steenhuisen emphasised that livestock producers need certainty and practical rules that allow them to continue operating safely during and after outbreaks. The goal is to prevent unnecessary economic collapse while still ensuring strict disease containment.

A major feature of the new framework is the introduction of clearer trade pathways during quarantine periods, which is expected to significantly reduce financial pressure on farmers. Under the revised system, livestock movement and slaughter operations will follow defined timeframes based on veterinary assessments. Animals may be sent to designated FMD abattoirs from 16 days after a property is declared clinically clear, while broader slaughter and export access becomes available after 42 days under controlled conditions. This replaces older blanket restrictions that often delayed recovery and created long term losses. The new system is designed to restore market access faster while maintaining strict biosecurity standards.

The reforms also introduce updated scientific guidance on the handling of animal products and agricultural materials during outbreaks. New evidence shows that certain products do not remain risky for as long as previously believed, which reduces the need for large scale destruction of feed, fodder and manure. This change is expected to lower costs for farmers and reduce wastage across the supply chain. Instead of automatic disposal rules, materials will now be assessed using defined risk periods supported by veterinary science. This ensures that food safety and disease control remain strong while avoiding unnecessary financial damage to producers.

Another significant change is the shift away from automatic whole herd depopulation, which has historically placed severe pressure on farmers during outbreaks. The new approach allows for multiple recovery pathways depending on the situation, including removal of affected animals, restocking with vaccinated livestock or sourcing from disease free herds. These options provide farmers with flexibility that was previously not available under older containment strategies. Steenhuisen stated that losing an entire herd can destroy a farming business, especially for producers already operating under financial strain. The revised system aims to prevent such outcomes by introducing practical and scientifically supported alternatives.

For the first time, the national framework also includes specific provisions for communal and peri urban livestock systems, which operate differently from commercial farms. These areas often involve shared grazing land, multiple ownership structures and frequent animal movement, making traditional outbreak models less effective. The new measures introduce tailored quarantine systems and targeted vaccination programmes designed to match these realities. This inclusion ensures that disease control strategies apply fairly across all livestock owners, not only large commercial operations. It also strengthens early detection and containment in high risk community settings.

The updated regulations further improve outbreak management by introducing risk based controls for well structured farms and production units. Properties with strong fencing and clearly separated sections may now isolate outbreaks within specific areas instead of placing entire farms under restriction. Veterinary procedures for declaring herds clinically clear have also been streamlined to reduce delays in lifting quarantine. Clear response timelines have been introduced for movement approvals, ensuring that farmers receive faster decisions from authorities. These improvements are expected to make disease management more efficient while maintaining strict oversight where it is needed most.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the new Foot-and-Mouth Disease control measures will be published in the Government Gazette and will be reviewed within 12 months of implementation. Officials say the framework reflects collaboration between government, veterinary experts and industry stakeholders, including coordination teams and scientific advisors. Steenhuisen noted that the reforms are based on the latest research and practical realities faced by farmers across the country. The department believes the new system will strengthen biosecurity, protect livestock production and support long term stability in rural economies. As South Africa continues to manage the threat of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the focus now shifts to effective implementation and ongoing cooperation across the sector.