The suspension of South Africa’s foot-and-mouth-free status has sent shock waves through the agricultural industry. This means that the country can no longer export meat and other livestock products for an indefinite period of time, which poses major economic challenges and can lead to job losses.
South Africa lost its status after the disease was observed in cattle in Limpopo in January 2019. The government acknowledged on 7 January 2019 that foot-and-mouth disease was found in animals in Vhembe.
According to Dr Jack Armour, Operations Manager at Free State Agriculture (FSA), the outbreak “coincided with a massive drop in meat prices”. According to him, the Red Meat Producers Organization (RPO) and Animal Health Forum informed members and the public of the state of affairs. In addition, the government also issued a letter on how to get certification for export into place.
“Due to the drought and expected price increases in maize, an over-supply of meat, coupled with further weakening consumer spending, can put tremendous pressure on meat prices,” Armour said. He believes other administrative prices, which increase the cost of business in South Africa, include power supply, telecommunications and road infrastructure costs.
Click here for a statement from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on foot-and-mouth disease.
Click here for another statement from the government.
Click here for a summary of the foot-and-mouth situation on 30 January 2019.
Food Lubricant Certifications – A Crucial Health Factor https://t.co/y2e0Siz7b5 #FoodSafety #Listeriosis @Fuchslubessa pic.twitter.com/WTMy9PQcOp
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 4, 2019