FMD in South Africa
A producer-friendly overview of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and why traceability is one of the practical tools that can reduce the impact of outbreaks on farmers and the value chain.
What FMD is (in plain language)
FMD is a viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and some wildlife). It spreads fast and can trigger movement controls and market restrictions.
What outbreaks can mean for producers
- Movement controls, standstills, and delayed sales.
- Knock-on costs: feed, logistics, compliance, and cashflow pressure.
- Market confidence issues and additional buyer requirements.
- Administrative load—often at the worst possible time.
Where traceability fits
- Faster identification of contact herds and movement chains.
- Better targeting—less blanket shutdown where evidence supports it.
- Clearer audit trails for permits and buyer confidence.
Also read: How FMD spreads.
Get involved
If you are a producer, industry body, abattoir, auction, or exporter who wants practical traceability that respects farmers and works in the real world, we’d like to hear from you.