On the Frontlines of the Outbreak: The Red Meat Industry’s Battle Against FMD

As the South African government intensifies its national response to the persistent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, the country’s red meat producers are outlining the crucial, yet often constrained, role they play in a fight that threatens the entire agricultural economy.

The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), in a year-end reflection, has detailed the significant challenges of 2025 while explaining the limits of its power. “FMD is a state-controlled disease,” says Dr. Frikkie Maré, CEO of the National RPO. This legal framework means direct interventionlike culling or large-scale movement controlrests with government. But, he stresses, “this does not mean that we did not do everything in our power to assist.”

Bridging the Gap Between Farm and State

The industry’s strategy has been one of pressure, coordination, and support. Recognising FMD as a systemic threat to every link in the chainfrom stud breeders and feedlots to abattoirsthe RPO helped forge a unified industry voice. This collective pressure, Maré notes, was instrumental in prompting the first national FMD Indaba and the formation of a Ministerial Task Team to guide the state’s strategy.

On the ground, the battle is fought provincially. Here, provincial RPO branches have become vital communication conduits, maintaining constant dialogue with provincial governments who hold the operational responsibility for managing outbreaks within their borders.

A Dual Crisis: Disease and Stock Theft

Compounding the FMD crisis is the parallel plague of stock theft. The RPO also hosts the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum, a critical bridge between farmers and the South African Police Service (SAPS). A major breakthrough came in November 2025 when, following forum advocacy, the Minister of Police indicated intent to reclassify stock theft as a priority crime. The forum has since submitted detailed technical data to SAPS to support this vital shift in policing focus.

Government’s “Roadmap” and the Road Ahead

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has expressed confidence in the national strategy, calling it a “realistic and technically sound roadmap.” The plan hinges on creating certified compartments and vaccination zones to allow for safe trade while working to restore the country’s FMD-free status. He confirmed close to 950,000 animals have already been vaccinated with state-procured vaccines.

The outbreak remains widespread, active in seven provinces with KwaZulu-Natal considered the epicentre. The path to recovery is long, and as Minister Steenhuisen acknowledged, it demands unprecedented cooperation. The RPO’s outlined role makes it clear: while the state holds the regulatory reins, the industry’s coordination, advocacy, and on-ground intelligence are indispensable forces in steering the nation’s livestock sector through this devastating storm.

{Source: IOL}

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