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Implementing a comprehensive vaccination programme, rather than relying solely on biosecurity measures, can protect every feedlot.
The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis in South Africa is far from over. In fact, the country remains deeply affected by a problem that could escalate dramatically if the entire red meat value chain does not urgently unite to contain it.
This is according to Dr Dirk Verwoerd, veterinarian at Karan Beef. He warns that while FMD is a state-controlled disease, the fundamental principles of disease management have been poorly implemented over the past four years, despite sufficient vaccine availability.
South African feedlots have borne the brunt of FMD outbreaks over the past year. The disease is spreading rapidly, with new districts being added to the list almost daily.
The role of feedlots
“Feedlots are the backbone of the red meat industry. This is where value is added and processes are optimised. The industry cannot function without them, as producers nationwide cannot keep cattle on the veld for a full 12 months. With challenging seasons and the need to safeguard the ‘factory’ or cow herd on the farm, feedlots have become essential,” he explains.
Looking ahead, he predicts that FMD will likely remain a part of the South African red meat industry for another five to ten years. There is no quick fix, and the key will be cooperation across the sector to address challenges.
Feedlots have so far weathered the FMD crisis because there is still enough meat in the market. Most feedlots feed cattle to the slaughter stage by using alternative or satellite facilities intended for short quarantine periods. However, this workaround is an expensive process and has contributed to soaring red meat prices.
“A feedlot is like a pipeline: if it isn’t fed at one end, it cannot deliver at the other. I expect that by March this year, we may face a bottleneck that will push meat prices even higher for consumers.”
South Africa has a limited number of large feedlots, yet they process volumes that account for roughly 50% of the meat purchased daily. This is on top of the meat supplied by smaller feedlots and private sellers.
New plans bring hope
According to Dr Verwoerd, there is light at the end of the tunnel, particularly when it comes to feedlots. He welcomes agriculture minister John Steenhuisen’s January announcement of an extensive effort to vaccinate the entire national herd, with every producer legally required to participate.
Dr Verwoerd agrees with the minister that past efforts to control FMD have largely failed. In fact, quarantine and disease-control measures have often backfired, prompting some producers to move cattle over long distances and sell them elsewhere, thus accelerating the disease’s spread across South Africa. This illegal movement have caused major problems.
“Unfortunately, current regulations do not allow for the slaughter or sale of vaccinated cattle, or cattle from designated disease-control areas, without imposing huge financial burdens. Out of desperation, some people have taken matters into their own hands.”
While the minister’s plan may seem drastic, Dr Verwoerd notes that the problem continues to grow. Programmes and measures that directly involve the private sector are already in place to tackle FMD, but unnecessary red tape is slowing progress.
South Africa identified infected FMD areas years ago, along with buffer and adjacent inspection zones. Strict measures were applied in those areas, while the rest of the country was declared FMD-free (Figure 1). However, these measures were relaxed, and FMD consequently spread beyond these zones. The World Organisation for Animal Health subsequently withdrew South Africa’s ‘FMD-free without vaccination’ status – limiting it to a well-managed endemic zone in the greater Kruger National Park – and downgraded the country’s risk level from 5 to 0 (infected).
South Africa possesses the expertise and infrastructure to produce enough vaccines for use in these buffer zones. However, these facilities fell into disrepair in 2006 due to inadequate maintenance. Since then, producers have had to rely on FMD vaccines imported from Botswana and other international suppliers. At the time of writing, these vaccines were being adapted and tested against local strains to support the high demand of the national vaccination campaign.
The recent approval of vaccines such as Turkey’s Dollvet and Argentina’s formulation for use in South Africa is therefore welcome news.
National vaccination campaign
The minister’s plan to vaccinate the national herd is set to be a major undertaking. Dr Verwoerd describes it as an ‘umbrella strategy’, adding that its implementation will be guided by a risk-based system.
Feedlots and dairies are prioritised, as animals are concentrated in small areas and in constant contact, creating a high risk of disease spread. Next, vaccination will target certain rural areas, communal and small-scale producers farming on common land near towns and cities, followed by traditional farming enterprises, before expanding to the rest of the country.
Animals in high-risk hotspot areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, southern Gauteng, and neighbouring districts in the Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga will be vaccinated first. The Western and Northern Cape will be last, as the disease was largely absent there at the time of writing.
The vaccination strategy considers various risk factors and disease drivers while protecting core industries. Stakeholders can expect a new rhythm of regular FMD vaccinations until the disease is controlled and gradually eradicated.
The national goal is to restore South Africa’s ‘FMD-free without vaccination’ status and return to level 5, though achieving this will be a gradual process spanning several years.
Outlook for feedlots
Feedlots rely on livestock producers to supply animals. This means the future of feedlots, and the success of the red meat industry, depends on the active involvement of all role-players. Every producer must participate in the traceability programme. This system has already been implemented, and producers are strongly encouraged to take part.
Dr Verwoerd says it is a misconception that South African red meat is barred from all export markets. “Many countries are still willing to import meat from South Africa, provided that all structures and certifications meet the importing country’s requirements. Government must step up to ensure these systems are in place. A robust traceability programme not only facilitates compliance but also serves as a powerful tool to negotiate access to export markets, giving the red meat industry a significant boost.”
He cautions, however, that there are no shortcuts to solving these challenges, as shortcuts often backfire when you least expect it. Feedlots are advised to invest in satellite facilities to manage quarantine while improving animal health and production. Implementing a comprehensive vaccination programme rather than relying solely on biosecurity measures, can protect every feedlot.
A successful FMD-free feedlot also requires professionally managed auctions, where only FMD-free animals are marketed. “This is a long-term battle, and the reputation of auction houses is on the line,” he notes.
To safeguard the future of feedlots and the broader red meat industry, the private sector must play an active role. While FMD is a notifiable disease, the state cannot address it alone. Every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure that market-ready animals are FMD-free.
A learning opportunity
A crisis often lends itself towards a learning opportunity, and the same applies to the FMD outbreak, which has provided valuable insights at a scientific level. Dr Verwoerd notes that much has already been learned from and about the disease.
The virus that causes FMD is highly adaptable, meaning new vaccines must be developed to keep pace with its changes. By studying the virus, even at a molecular level, scientists have gained a better understanding of how it spreads among animals and the routes along which it spreads to different regions.
“Fog, moisture, and humidity play a major role in the long-distance spread of the disease, beyond direct nose-to-nose contact. Producers and veterinarians in coastal areas and on the Highveld have long suspected this, but not a lot of attention was given. Recent investigations, however, confirm that aerosol transmission is an important factor in the spread of FMD.” – Koos du Pisanie, Stockfarm
For more information, contact Dr Dirk Verwoerd at dirkv@karanbeef.com or 082 826 6540.
