Pule Makgale|Published7 hours agoSouth Africa’s dairy sector hit hard by FMD outbreak as losses soar to R1 billion

This widespread outbreak has led to severe repercussions, particularly for South Africa’s exports, with estimated losses amounting to R1 billion since January 2024. South Africa’s dairy sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, withFoot and Mouth Disease(FMD) reported in all nine provinces. This widespread outbreak has led to severe repercussions, particularly for exports, with estimated losses amounting to R1 billion since January 2024.

Industry leaders are now sounding the alarm, highlighting the difficulties posed by inconsistent and overly strict government regulations coupled with bans imposed by neighbouring countries. Neighbouring countries have taken decisive action to suspend imports of dairy products from South Africa. This action has been observed primarily in Zambia, with Botswana and Namibia reportedly tightening their controls on dairy products as well.

This is hindering regional trade. Clover SA has highlighted a growing concern regarding the inconsistent and non-standardized application of FMD control measures. This regulatory deadlock, the milk producer asserts, is effectively closing the gates of international markets to South African exports.

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Clover SA has issued a stark warning about the urgent need for standardised measures to combat FMD in the country. The dairy producer says that current eradication protocols, which vary significantly across the country, are putting immense pressure on the nation’s dairy industry. Despite dairy products routinely meeting, and often exceeding, internationally recognised safety standards, these inconsistent strategies pose serious risks to producers and consumers alike, according to Clover SA .

The dairy industry maintains that export permits and veterinary attestations are applied inconsistently across provinces, while South Africa defers to importing countries that require local approval first, creating a regulatory deadlock. This impasse is effectively closing export markets and placing significant strain on the broader dairy value chain.

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