International markets at stake: National FMD action needed to protect exports & local market

South Africa’s global trade partners are watching closely as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal continues to escalate.  Already, China, the country’s largest red meat export market by volume, has suspended trade – the stakes for South Africa’s agricultural economy could not be higher.

 

Agricultural leadership representing dairy, beef, sheep, and game industries in KZN convened recently under the banner of Kwanalu (KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union) to address the bludgeoning crisis. Their unified call: for the Minister of Agriculture to urgently support a request to COGTA to declare KwaZulu-Natal a disaster zone amongst other interventions.

 

“The world is watching how South Africa responds to this outbreak. Trade partners need to see a clear, coordinated plan that reassures them we have this under control,” said Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu.

 

As reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 30 April, KZN has experienced 167 outbreaks of FMD, with only 18 resolved and 149 still active. The outbreak, which originated in the Amajuba District, has spread beyond the gazetted Disease Management Area (DMA), largely due to uncontrolled livestock movements.

 

The economic fallout is already evident.

 

“International markets are noticing and rejecting our exports. This is no longer a local or provincial  problem – it’s a national risk,” said Angus Williamson, Kwanalu Vice President and Red Meat Producers Organisation Chairman.

 

Whilst Kwanalu acknowledge the recent vaccination announcement by government, the Union says more must be done as both local and international pressure is growing. On 12 May, China suspended all imports of beef and other products derived from cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa. As the largest importer of South African red meat, this development has sent shockwaves through the industry.

 

The commercial livestock sector sustains thousands of jobs across farming operations, processing plants, transportation, and export businesses. Many rural and peri-urban economies rely heavily on the functioning of this sector.

 

“If South Africa’s reputation as a reliable export partner continues to decline, the damage will be long-lasting – and incredibly difficult to recover. A strong, coordinated response now is vital to preserve livelihoods and rebuild market confidence,” says Williamson.

 

“We must act now – a disaster declaration is not only about resources, it’s a clear message to our trade partners that we are serious, coordinated, and ready to contain this outbreak,” said PJ Hassard, President of Kwanalu.

 

The livestock industry continues to appeal for increased enforcement of movement controls, opportunities to market livestock, the development of traceability systems, and expanded vaccination capacity. Kwanalu and the KZNRPO has already mobilised to assist the permit offices and facilitate farmer coordination, but stresses that government support is essential.

 

“We are doing our part as organised agriculture. We’ve mobilised resources, coordinated stakeholders and shared actionable solutions.  We wish to work together with government and relevant stakeholders – we cannot protect South Africa’s agricultural integrity on our own,” added La Marque.

 

Kwanalu reiterates that their actions and thoughts remain with the farmers, workers, and families affected, and pledges continued partnership in the effort to contain the outbreak.

 

For more information on Kwanalu, visit www.kwanalu.co.za or call 033 342 9393.