South Africa’s livestock sector is facing an unprecedented challenge as the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak escalates, threatening farmers, agribusinesses, and the wider agricultural economy. To provide urgently needed guidance, the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted a webinar on 29 January, presented by the Land, Enterprise and Agricultural Futures (LEAF) Initiative. The session brought together experts to share practical biosecurity measures and advice to help farmers protect their herds while vaccines are on the way.

Dr Lindie von Maltitz, Manager of the LEAF Initiative and Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Economics at the UFS, facilitated the session. LEAF is an interdisciplinary platform dedicated to enhancing agricultural competitiveness through research, training, and innovation. Joining her were Dr Marike Badenhorst, a veterinary scientist and experienced farmer, and Dr Jacques van Rooyen, an animal scientist and rangeland ecologist with a PhD in veterinary science, both offering decades of practical and research expertise in livestock disease management.

Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Dr Jacques van Rooyen explained that FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals – cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats – while certain wildlife species such as African buffalo can act as carriers, impala and kudu can also be affected. Mortality is typically low in adult livestock but can be severe in calves and lambs due to complications such as myocarditis, known locally as ‘tiger heart disease.’

“The virus exists in multiple strains, with SAT 1, 2, and 3 circulating in Southern Africa,” Dr Van Rooyen said. “Although humans cannot contract FMD, the virus spreads rapidly in naive animal populations that have never been exposed or vaccinated, as is now happening in South Africa.”

Dr Badenhorst added that FMD spreads through direct contact, bodily fluids, contaminated equipment, and – under specific circumstances – airborne transmission, but has only been documented in the northern hemisphere. Herd-level infection is especially concerning, as animals can be moved unknowingly during the virus’ incubation period, accelerating its spread.

Practical biosecurity measures for farmers

Both experts stressed that proactive farm-level biosecurity is critical. Dr Badenhorst outlined key steps that farmers can take immediately:

• Restrict animal movement: Do not move livestock between farms, even within the same district or province.
• Access control: Decide who is allowed on your farm. Establish biosecurity checkpoints at entrances.
• Disinfection: Vehicles, equipment, and footwear should be disinfected using registered products. High-pressure sprays help remove dirt and manure with disinfectant application.
• Logbooks: Maintain detailed records of visitors and farm activities to trace potential infection pathways.
• Work with veterinarians:  Veterinarians can help design tailored biosecurity plans suitable for the farm’s production system.

Dr Van Rooyen emphasised securing boundaries, managing labourers’ clothing and footwear, and understanding potential risk pathways. “Even if you trust your neighbours, virus transmission can occur unnoticed. Using electric strands or boundary buffers can prevent inadvertent contact between your herd and neighbouring livestock.”

Supporting communal farmers

Communal farmers face particular challenges due to free-roaming livestock and limited infrastructure. Dr Van Rooyen stressed that many in these communities have experience with FMD in buffer zones but may lack awareness in free zones. Practical steps include the following:

• Consolidating herds and implementing local surveillance for early symptom detection.
• Establishing points of contact with extension services and commercial farmers.
• Educating herders and community members to identify symptoms and prevent illegal movement of livestock.
• Encouraging cooperation within communal areas to reduce outbreak risk.

“Illegal movement driven by fear, misinformation, or self-interest remains the biggest threat,” Dr Van Rooyen noted. “Education, awareness, and collaboration are essential.”

What to do if an animal is showing symptoms

Dr Badenhorst advised the following steps when symptoms are detected:

• Quarantine the animal in a separate kraal with access to food and water.
• Notify a private veterinarian, who will coordinate with state veterinary services.
• Testing: Samples from lesions and blood are sent to Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute for confirmation. Serological results are typically returned within three to five days.
• Protect the herd: Limit access to the infected animal’s group, use PPE, and inspect healthy animals with clean clothes and vehicles.
• Follow state quarantine protocols: Only Red Cross-permitted animals may leave for abattoirs; all other movement is prohibited.
• Vaccination: Once available, state veterinarians vaccinate the infected herd and neighbouring farms to achieve herd immunity and halt further spread.
• Supportive care: Pain management with anti-inflammatories and vitamin supplementation (e.g., vitamin E, selenium) can aid recovery. Antibiotics are only indicated for secondary bacterial infections, not the virus itself.

“Healthy animals generally recover quickly, but intensive systems such as dairy or pig farms require close veterinary management,” Dr Badenhorst said.

The takeaway

The FMD crisis presents a serious threat to South Africa’s livestock industry, yet careful, informed biosecurity measures can significantly reduce the risk. Farmers are urged to act now, enforce strict movement controls, maintain rigorous hygiene, and collaborate with veterinarians and neighbours.

As Dr Von Maltitz concluded, “Biosecurity is not a one-time action – it is a continuous commitment. Together, through education, vigilance, and cooperation, we can protect our herds and safeguard South Africa’s agricultural future.”

Watch the recording