South Africa has approved a new national framework for managing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), introducing updated control measures aimed at improving outbreak response, protecting livestock farmers, and maintaining agricultural trade.
The new regulations were approved by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and will take effect once published in the Government Gazette. They replace the 2019 FMD Contingency Plan and consolidate several amendments into a single national system for disease management.
Risk-Based Approach to Outbreak Management
A key change in the new framework is the introduction of a risk-based system that allows certain livestock movements and trade activities during outbreak recovery periods.
Under the revised rules, animals may be moved to designated FMD abattoirs 16 days after a farm is declared clinically clear. Broader slaughter and export-approved facilities may be used after 42 days, depending on compliance with veterinary conditions.
The framework also states that vaccinated animals that have never been infected and are not under quarantine may continue to be traded and moved under normal regulations.
Authorities say the changes are intended to balance disease containment with the need to limit economic disruption in the livestock sector.
Reducing Economic Losses for Farmers
Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains one of the most costly livestock diseases, often resulting in trade restrictions, production losses, and significant financial strain for farmers.
The updated framework introduces new scientific guidelines for handling potentially contaminated materials such as feed, fodder, and manure. Instead of automatic disposal, these will now be assessed based on defined risk periods.
Officials say this approach is designed to reduce unnecessary losses while maintaining biosecurity standards.
Flexible Recovery Options for Affected Farms
The new measures also introduce alternative recovery pathways for farms affected by outbreaks.
Farmers will no longer automatically be required to depopulate entire herds before restrictions are lifted. Instead, they may choose options such as restocking with vaccinated animals or sourcing livestock from disease-free areas.
The Department of Agriculture says this provides more practical recovery options, particularly for farmers facing financial pressure during outbreaks.
Targeted Quarantine Measures
The framework also allows for more targeted quarantine enforcement. On well-fenced farms, restrictions may be applied only to affected sections of a property rather than the entire farm.
For communal and peri-urban livestock systems, the new rules introduce tailored approaches that take into account shared grazing areas and complex livestock movement patterns.
Officials say these changes are intended to improve fairness and effectiveness in outbreak management across different farming systems.
Improved Coordination and Oversight
The policy was developed through consultation with veterinary experts, government advisory bodies, and industry stakeholders.
It also streamlines veterinary procedures and introduces clearer timelines for approvals related to livestock movement and product handling.
The Department of Agriculture says it will monitor implementation closely and conduct a formal review of the framework within 12 months.
The new FMD control framework represents a shift toward a more science-based and flexible approach to disease management in South Africa’s livestock sector.
Officials say the goal is to strengthen biosecurity while ensuring that farmers are able to recover more quickly and continue operating during and after outbreaks.