The proposal was announced during the opening of a two-day FMD indaba in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council, taking place amid growing concern over recurring outbreaks.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Production, Biosecurity and Natural Resources Management, Dipepeneneng Serage, stressed that despite recent efforts, including the acquisition of 90 000 vaccine doses, current strategies are failing. He said vaccination, which should be a last resort, is being overused due to poor compliance with basic preventative measures.

“Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus, and like all viral diseases, it can be prevented with strict biosecurity,” Serage explained.

“We’re seeing low compliance. It only takes one reckless farmer transporting animals without proper disinfection or quarantine to put the whole country at risk.”

The regionalisation model Steenhuisen is proposing would divide the country into disease control zones, where livestock would be registered, tracked, and restricted from moving across zones without authorisation.

This would make it easier to isolate outbreaks and prevent unnecessary nationwide trade restrictions.

“If an animal from KwaZulu-Natal turns up in the Free State without proper clearance, it would be flagged immediately,” Serage explained. “This approach has been successful elsewhere in the world. It’s time to test it in SA.”

However, Serage acknowledged that enforcement will be a major hurdle. Authorities will need to collaborate with the SA Police Service and road traffic officials to inspect animal movements, just as they do with vehicle documentation. He also warned of possible criminal exploitation.

“Yes, animal smuggling is a risk. But with planning and cooperation from farmers and provincial departments, it’s manageable,” he said.

The minister also called on the livestock industry to co-finance vaccine procurement, encouraging large-scale producers to contribute to a national vaccine bank.

“Especially in sectors like dairy and feedlots, where animals are highly susceptible, there’s a need to prepare and budget ahead of anticipated outbreak seasons,” said Serage.

--ChannelAfrica--