Source: Reuters
South African farmers are facing mounting losses as the country battles one of its worst foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in years. Since early 2025, infections have spread to seven of nine provinces, disrupting livestock production and trade. Beef exports fell 26% in 2025 despite strong global demand, with shipments to China—previously South Africa’s third-largest market—dropping 69% after a May import ban.
Farmers report soaring costs as they attempt to contain the highly contagious virus. Dairy farmer James Kean said his expenses rose by 1 million rand in a month, while milk production on his farm fell sharply as infected cows became less productive. Some producers have used years’ worth of Veterinary supplies in weeks. The government aims to vaccinate 80% of the nation’s 12 million cattle and recently introduced its first FMD vaccine in two decades. However, limited domestic production capacity means most vaccines are being imported, raising concerns about long-term containment and potential food price increases.