South Africa Sets Up Council to Control Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Summary

The South African government has appointed a council to manage the response to the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This livestock disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and can cause serious economic damage to farmers and the meat industry. The council's role is to oversee control measures to stop the disease from spreading further and to help farmers protect their herds. This is important because foot-and-mouth disease can lead to trade restrictions and loss of income for farmers if it is not contained quickly. The Red Meat Industry Services, led by CEO Dewald Olivier, is involved in coordinating efforts between farmers, government, and industry stakeholders. Their goal is to restore confidence in South Africa’s red meat industry and prevent major disruptions to the market. The council will also provide advice on vaccinations and movement controls for animals to limit the disease's impact. This proactive management is crucial to maintaining the stability of the meat supply chain and ensuring food security.