With the number of positive locations for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the rise, the industry said it was focusing on control measures.Reggie Ngcobo, the department’s media liaison officer, said that vaccines had been made available to treat infected animals.“Although a vaccine is available, some animals are resisting it. If this continues, these animals will ultimately be slaughtered and buried. I can also confirm that there have been cases where the vaccine has worked. We are monitoring the situation. “It’s a crisis and we are working closely with the industry to come up with solutions for the outbreak. For now, I can confirm that help is available to farmers. State vets are offering their services free of charge,” said Ngcobo.Managing director of the National Animal Health Forum, Pieter Vervoort, said the affected animals had been quarantined. “This is a measure the industry is taking to prevent the spread of FMD. Auctions have been banned and we all have to remain patient,” he said. In the meantime, the future of South Africa’s beef industry remains in the balance as reports suggest that R2 billion could be lost in 2020 as countries hold back on importing the country’s red meat.