Livestock farmers in KwaZulu-Natal are urging the government to declare the province a disaster area as a severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak cripples the agricultural sector. With 149 active outbreaks reported as of April 30, 2025, farmers warn of devastating financial losses, illegal livestock movement, and threats to food security if immediate action is not taken.
Crisis Deepens in Agricultural Sector
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, representing pork, dairy, beef, sheep, and game farmers, has called for urgent government intervention. Farmers report being unable to sell livestock due to restrictive movement controls, exacerbating financial strain in an already fragile industry.
Angus Williamson, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), highlighted the severity of the crisis in an interview, stating that farmers are struggling to meet debt obligations and are resorting to extreme measures, including cancelling insurance policies, to stay afloat.
Challenges with Risk Assessments and Movement Controls
A major point of contention is the lengthy risk assessment process required for farmers to trade livestock legally. Williamson criticized the 106-question assessment as overly burdensome and irrelevant to FMD-specific biosecurity. Despite proposals for a streamlined 36-question alternative, authorities have maintained the current system, delaying sales during a critical period for farmers.
Compounding the issue, illegal livestock movement across provincial borders has surged, with farmers and emerging livestock owners bypassing restrictions out of desperation. Williamson called for roadblocks and stricter enforcement by police and the military to curb the spread.
Economic Fallout and Calls for Intervention
The outbreak threatens to derail KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural contributions, which recently boosted South Africa’s GDP growth in Q1 2025. Farmers fear a nationwide spread if containment fails, particularly after cases were detected in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
Williamson emphasized that while red meat remains safe for consumption, the industry needs urgent support to maintain production standards. The RPO and agricultural unions have appealed for:
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Government-funded buying facilities at dip tanks to enable direct sales to abattoirs.
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Deployment of law enforcement to monitor livestock movement.
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Revised risk assessment protocols to expedite trade.
A Ticking Time Bomb
With no significant intervention yet, farmers warn of a looming collapse in the sector, risking livelihoods and food supply chains. As Williamson stressed, “We cannot afford foot-and-mouth to spread further. The time to act is now.”
The provincial and national governments have yet to respond to the disaster declaration request. Meanwhile, farmers brace for deeper losses as the outbreak shows no signs of abating.
