Members of the red meat industry and government officials have joined forces to combat the crippling effects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) on the red meat and livestock export markets following the second outbreak this year.
The latest outbreak of FMD was reported earlier this month on a Limpopo cattle farm, with the South African government subsequently shutting down all livestock auctions.
However, in an AgriSA statement on Friday, Koos van der Ryst, chairman of the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF), said industry leaders and government officials were taking the right steps to ensure the red meat industry was competitive once again amid disease concerns.
“The conversation with the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on the effect of FMD on the red meat industry which took place yesterday was very constructive,” said Van der Ryst.
The closure of livestock auction houses has cost the country’s agricultural industry millions, with Zimbabwe, Botswana and Swaziland also suspending meat imports from South Africa.
Gerhard Schutte, CEO of the national Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, said the current suspension of South African meat products was putting a heavy burden on the agricultural market. He singled out the Chinese market as vital to the industry’s survival.
“The fact that auctions are currently not taking place, puts a heavy burden on producers’ cash flow and the RPO appeals to agricultural businesses and financial institutions to come to the aid of farmers in these times,” said Schutte.
“If we lose the China market now, it will have catastrophic implications for the whole red meat industry in South Africa.”
During the talks with the minister there was consensus on the following aspects:
- The movement of livestock must be limited to a minimum.
- The SAPS and SANDF will be involved to apply control measures at the affected areas as well as with the control of key routes from Limpopo to North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
- It is imperative to adhere to the department’s announcement until the extent of the problem has been determined.
- The extent of the outbreak will be determined as a matter of urgency.
- The ban on auctions will be lifted as soon as circumstances allow it.
- Protocols will be put in place to slaughter infected animals. – Bjorn Vorster
