Red Meat Abattoir Association Warns of Vaccine Availability Gap and Urges Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

The South African government and the Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA) are facing a worsening foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which has disrupted economic activity and trade. The FMD outbreak has exposed weaknesses in the country's disease control and biosecurity measures, and the RMAA is urging stronger cooperation between the industry and government to tackle the crisis. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has acknowledged the seriousness of the outbreak and said government is acting urgently to procure vaccines and develop local manufacturing capacity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RMAA has warned of a vaccine availability gap and urged government to prioritize long-term sustainability over crisis response.
  • The government has procured 900 000 vaccine doses from the Botswana Vaccine Institute for R42 million, with vaccination to begin in disease management areas and feedlots.
  • RMAA general manager Gerhard Neethling said the outbreak has laid bare the weaknesses in existing systems and called for collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to ensure access to vaccines.
  • Chairperson Neil Venter stated that FMD is a real concern, causing trade losses, restricted cattle sales, and short-term impacts on pricing.
  • Steenhuen said that reckless auctions and unauthorized animal movement are exacerbating the spread of disease, and new regulations will be signed into effect within days.
  • Industry leaders emphasized the need for modernization, including reliable traceability and biosecurity measures, to maintain exports and access to premium international markets.

Statistics:

  • 900 000 vaccine doses have been procured from the Botswana Vaccine Institute for R42 million.
  • Vaccine production is expected to move towards domestic manufacturing capacity, with efforts underway through the Agricultural Research Council.
  • FMD has disrupted economic activity and trade, causing losses and impacting business and farmers who rely on income from cattle sales.
  • Restricted cattle sales have resulted in a short-term impact on pricing.

Sources:

  • "RMAA calls for stronger cooperation to tackle FMD outbreak," Business Day, no date
  • "Agriculture Minister promises action on FMD outbreak," South African Press Association, no date
  • "Red Meat Abattoir Association annual conference," RMAA, no date