What's Happening?
South Africa is experiencing severe economic impacts from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, with significant losses reported in the dairy and beef sectors. The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) reports that FMD cases reached 24,406
in 2025, the highest annual total recorded. The outbreaks have spread to eight of the nine provinces, affecting trade, rural employment, and food security. The dairy industry has seen immediate financial strain, with over 210,000 dairy cattle affected and losses estimated at R1 billion. The beef sector faces long-term exposure, with potential losses in gross production value reaching R11.3 billion by 2030.
Why It's Important?
The FMD outbreaks in South Africa highlight the vulnerability of the livestock sector to disease, with far-reaching implications for the economy. The dairy and beef industries are central to South Africa's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to gross production value. The outbreaks threaten rural employment and food security, with potential long-term impacts on trade and market access. The situation underscores the need for effective disease management and intervention to protect the livestock industry and the broader economy.
