Meat industry launches research drive to ease Foot-and-Mouth Disease slaughter restrictions

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has partnered with the University of Pretoria and global animal health company Zoetis to investigate the economic and regulatory impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus persistence in slaughtered cattle, as the industry seeks science-based reforms to outdated slaughter regulations.

The initiative follows Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s announcement that government plans to vaccinate South Africa’s entire national cattle herd of approximately 7.2 million animals as part of efforts to contain ongoing FMD outbreaks.

RMIS said the study, titled Evidence-Based Risk Reduction for FMD Virus Persistence at Slaughter, aims to generate the scientific evidence needed to revise current regulations that impose blanket restrictions on meat and by-products from cattle that have recovered from FMD.

“These restrictions are not only outdated but also result in significant wastage, especially of offal and other by-products, causing financial strain across the red meat value chain,” RMIS said.

The organisation believes the research will not only support regulatory reform but also identify critical intervention points in the broader fight against FMD.

The project is being led by Professor Armanda Bastos from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria. The research will be conducted in several phases, beginning with an assessment of whether deboning remains necessary 15 days after infection and the prevalence of carrier animals.

Further phases will focus on identifying virus persistence sites in heads, glands and offal to inform safe trade practices, developing a serological test to distinguish carriers from fully recovered animals, and assessing the effectiveness of different vaccines in clearing the virus.

RMIS added that the project, along with eight others, is a direct response to its Field to Future framework, an industry-informed process to identify the real-world challenges faced by farmers, feedlots, abattoirs, and other value chain stakeholders.

Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, said that FMD continues to cost the red meat industry millions in lost value every year because of outdated regulations that don’t reflect current science.

“This research is about changing that, to protect the livelihoods of every stakeholder in the red meat value chain,” Olivier said.

Prof Armanda Bastos, director of the Hans Hoheisen Research Centre in the Kruger National Park, said the project demonstrated the speed and impact that can be achieved when industry, academia and the private sector collaborate.

“It will set a new benchmark for evidence-led, rapid response to the SAT-type virus outbreaks,” Bastos said.

Dr Ralf J. Patzelt, Business Unit Director for Livestock at Zoetis, said the company was committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s red meat industry.

“By sponsoring this crucial research project together with the University of Pretoria and the RMIS, we are demonstrating our dedication to supporting everyone involved in the red meat value chain, from producers and feedlots to processors and marketers,” Patzelt said.

He added that FMD poses significant challenges to the industry, leading to extensive losses and threatening livelihoods.

“Our support for this study reflects our determination to help the industry find science-based solutions that minimise wastage, strengthen regulatory confidence, and safeguard trade credibility,” he said.

“We believe that investing in evidence-based FMD risk management is essential for the future resilience and growth of South Africa’s livestock sector.”

Patzelt concluded that through this sponsorship, they reaffirm their commitment to partnership, innovation, and the advancement of animal health.

“Together, we aim to reduce unnecessary losses caused by FMD and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders in the red meat industry.”

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