PROJECT: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (PART 1)
- Isabel Spies
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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WHAT IS THIS DISEASE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER:
Specialised Security Services expresses deep concern not only for the economic and animal welfare impacts
of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, but also for the livestock farmers themselves,
who are already facing extreme pressure from serious violent crimes, stock theft, and severe financial strain.
This compounding stress places farming families and rural communities at significant risk.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals,
including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wildlife species.
While the disease poses no direct threat to human health,
its impact on agriculture, food security, employment, and national economic stability is severe.
FMD is classified internationally as a controlled and reportable animal disease due to
its rapid spread and devastating economic consequences.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is endemic across large parts of Africa, with ongoing and recurring outbreaks reported in regions of East and West Africa, including countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
While many African states manage FMD as a constant operational risk, South Africa is currently facing its most severe outbreak in decades.
The present crisis escalated during early 2025, initially concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal, and has since spread to seven provinces, namely:
KwaZulu-Natal.
Free State.
Mpumalanga.
Gauteng.
North West.
Limpopo.
Western Cape
The scale, speed, and geographic spread of this outbreak are without recent precedent, placing South Africa’s livestock industry, export markets, and rural economies under extreme strain.
Government authorities have announced plans for large-scale vaccination programmes involving millions of doses and are considering the declaration of a national agricultural disaster due to the severity of the impact on farmers and export capacity.
HOW FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE SPREADS:
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is caused by a highly resilient virus that spreads rapidly through:
Direct contact between infected animals.
Airborne transmission via breath and aerosols over significant distances.
Contaminated water sources, equipment, vehicles, and holding pens.
Infected meat and animal products.
Humans acting as mechanical carriers via clothing, footwear, and hands.
Wild animals may carry the virus without showing visible symptoms, contributing silently to transmission under certain conditions.
CLINICAL IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK:
Animals infected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease typically present with:
Painful blisters and ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums.
Excessive salivation and drooling.
Severe lameness due to blistering of the hooves.
Difficulty eating, standing, and walking.
Rapid weight loss, stress, and reduced productivity.
Milk production drops sharply, growth rates decline, and secondary infections frequently occur.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES:
The economic effects of Foot-and-Mouth Disease are immediate and far-reaching:
Livestock movement is halted.
Abattoirs and feedlots are forced to suspend operations.
Domestic meat supply chains are disrupted.
Export markets are closed almost overnight.
Employment losses occur across farming, transport, and processing sectors.
Urban populations may initially remain unaware of the crisis until food prices rise, jobs are lost, and supply shortages emerge.
PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY AND BIOSECURITY AWARENESS:
Foot-and-Mouth Disease control is not solely a farming issue — it is a national biosecurity responsibility.
The public can play a critical role by:
Avoiding the transport or trade of unregulated or raw meat products.
Practising strict hygiene after visiting farms, auctions, or livestock markets.
Reporting suspicious or symptomatic animals immediately.
Supporting compliance with veterinary movement controls.
Failure at any point in this chain enables further disease spread and amplifies national risk.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a high-impact agricultural and economic threat that demands national awareness,
discipline, and coordinated action.
The current outbreak is not business as usual.
It represents a systemic biosecurity failure with national consequences.
Part 2 addresses the economic collapse risk, animal welfare crisis, operational failures,
and the urgent need for decisive state intervention.
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