Farmers at risk as Foot-and-Mouth response criticised by agricultural organisation

Agricultural organisation TLU SA has raised alarm over the escalating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa, warning that the situation has become a severe economic and agricultural crisis.

In a formal letter to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, TLU SA criticised the lack of progress in combating the outbreak, despite a strategic Indaba held in July 2025, which established plans and working groups to address the disease. According to the organisation, these measures have not translated into tangible action, leaving farmers, consumers, and the broader agricultural economy at significant risk.

Since February 2025, the outbreak has intensified, causing widespread concern among livestock farmers. TLU SA argues that the state’s limited capacity to contain FMD is worsening the situation, citing shortages of state veterinarians, inspectors, and resources. The unchecked movement of livestock, combined with mounting financial strain on farmers, is deepening the crisis.

“The sooner the state acknowledges that the private sector must be involved, the sooner an effective solution can be implemented,” said Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA. “We cannot allow farmers and the agricultural economy to suffer ongoing damage.”

Under current legislation, only the state is authorised to handle the production and distribution of FMD vaccines. TLU SA believes this restriction is hindering the response to the outbreak. The organisation is urging the government to amend regulations to allow private sector participation, which it argues could deliver sustainable, cost-effective vaccines within months and prevent further economic fallout.

The economic toll of the outbreak is already severe. Farmers face mounting losses without state compensation, market access is being restricted, and fluctuating meat prices are beginning to affect consumers. TLU SA has warned that unless urgent action is taken, the damage to South Africa’s agricultural sector could be long-lasting.

“The state must fulfil its statutory and constitutional responsibility or mandate the private sector to do so,” the organisation stated. “This is the most realistic and fastest way to control the outbreak, limit economic damage, and ensure the survival of farmers.”

With frustration in the farming community at an all-time high, TLU SA has reiterated its demand for immediate action to bring the FMD crisis under control and protect the country’s agricultural economy.