South Africa’s largest beef producer, Karan Beef has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its Heidelberg feedlot near Johannesburg, raising concerns over livestock health, consumer supply and export markets.
The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the facility was placed under pre-emptive quarantine on 30 May, following the identification of a suspected infection.
The presence of FMD was officially confirmed on 2 June, prompting containment measures in collaboration with government veterinary department.
“This unfortunate development highlights the ongoing risks faced by the livestock industry, even under rigorous control systems,” the company said.
The outbreak comes at a time when South Africa is already grappling with a protein shortage, exacerbated by a ban on chicken imports from Brazil.
With beef prices already high, the suspension of cattle intake at Karan Beef is expected to further strain supply chains and increase costs for consumers.
The spread of FMD has also triggered international trade restrictions, with China having already suspended imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa due to earlier outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces.
While FMD does not pose a direct health risk to humans, it remains a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, swine, sheep and goats, with severe economic consequences.
The duration of containment measures at the Heidelberg feedlot will depend on government directives, with experts suggesting operations could be affected for up to 90 days.
JN/APA