China has suspended imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak across several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng. The ban, effective immediately, covers beef and other livestock-derived products.
The suspension follows confirmation of new FMD cases outside the original outbreak zone in KwaZulu-Natal. In Mpumalanga, a farm linked to an infected auction in Utrecht (KZN) reported virus spread to nearby camps, despite no visible symptoms in the animals. Similarly, a feedlot in Gauteng that received animals from an auction in Heidelberg returned positive lab results for FMD.
Dr. Mpho Maja, Director of Animal Health at the Department of Agriculture, stressed the importance of biosecurity:
“This underscores the need to isolate newly purchased animals from existing herds for at least 28 days, even when a health attestation has been issued.”
This precaution has been a legal requirement since October 2022.
In response, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has intensified control measures, with the Deputy Director-General’s office leading coordinated containment efforts. Key discussions with Veterinary Services and industry stakeholders have centered on improving traceability, biosecurity, and animal movement record-keeping—especially at auctions.
China, South Africa’s largest red meat export market by volume, accounts for a substantial share of the industry’s international trade. The Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) expressed concern over the economic implications, noting that the ban affects a wide range of cloven-hoofed animal products.
To curb the spread of FMD, the Department of Agriculture is urging livestock farmers to restrict animal movements and strictly follow biosecurity protocols. Auctioneers and buyers are advised to be cautious when sourcing animals, especially from provinces with active outbreaks. No cloven-hoofed animals should be moved from restricted areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Dr. Maja reiterated the legal responsibilities under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, which requires animal owners and handlers to take all reasonable precautions to prevent disease transmission.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, conducting clinical inspections and laboratory testing in affected areas. Although no new infections have been reported beyond the identified cases, efforts remain focused on containment and minimizing economic fallout.
