South African Farmers Struggle as Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads

South Africa’s livestock industry is facing heavy losses as the country battles its worst ever foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in decades. The crisis has hit beef exports hard, with shipments falling 26% in 2025 despite strong global demand.

China, once South Africa’s third-largest beef market, banned imports in May last year. As a result, exports to China dropped 69% to just 1,687 metric tons, according to figures from the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS). The ban has added pressure on farmers already struggling with rising costs and falling production.

The disease, which began spreading early in 2025, has now reached seven of South Africa’s nine provinces. Farmers say the outbreak has forced them to spend far more than usual on veterinary products. Dairy farmer James Kean from Mooi River reported that his seasonal expenses rose by one million rand as he tried to protect his herd. He said some farmers have used three years’ worth of veterinary supplies in just one month.

Milk production on Kean’s farm fell from 26,000 litres a day to 23,000 litres within days of the outbreak. “The cost to the economy is enormous. The national livestock population could halve in two years, and food prices will rise as well,” he warned. Like many farmers, Kean criticised the government for failing to contain the disease quickly.

Authorities are now planning to vaccinate 80% of the national herd, estimated at 12 million cattle. On February 6, South Africa rolled out its first foot-and-mouth vaccine in 20 years to address shortages. Most of the vaccines are currently being imported from Botswana, Turkiye, and Argentina.

Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo said the outbreak has struck at a time when South Africa lacks the capacity to produce enough vaccines locally. “We are hit now by one of the worst outbreaks at a time when we don’t have the capacity to produce the vaccines that are required,” he explained.

With exports down, costs rising, and production falling, farmers in South Africa say urgent action is needed to protect the livestock industry and prevent further damage to the economy.