The outbreak began at the Heidelberg feedlot, where a suspected FMD case was confirmed on 2 June, prompting an immediate pre-emptive quarantine. Since then, Karan facilities in Nigel, Gauteng, and Albert Falls, KwaZulu-Natal, have also reported FMD infections.
Anso Bracken, marketing manager at Karan Beef, told to Farmer’s Weekly: “Approximately 160 000 cattle across our three feedlots are currently subject to FMD control measures. All our satellite facilities remain unaffected.”
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The Department of Agriculture has ordered over 900 000 FMD vaccine doses from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, with initial deliveries expected soon. The department said this initiative aimed not only to control the immediate outbreak, but also to bolster long-term disease protection.
While the outbreak has raised concerns across the red meat value chain, Bracken confirmed that Karan Beef was included in the state’s vaccine rollout plans. Vaccine usage will be tightly controlled.
“Distribution is strictly regulated by the state and will be administered only to herds confirmed to be affected by FMD,” Bracken explained.
In the meantime, strict containment protocols are being implemented to prevent further spread of the disease.
“In addition to our standard biosecurity protocols, we have enforced stringent decontamination procedures for all personnel and vehicles exiting our facilities,” she said.
“All animal movement has been suspended and will remain so until slaughter approvals are granted by the relevant authorities.”
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Bracken told Farmer’s Weekly that the source of the outbreak remained under investigation.
“The precise pathway of virus entry is still under investigation. It is important to note that the virus has been actively circulating in the southern Gauteng region for several weeks before we were affected,” Bracken said.
The economic fallout is significant. Karan’s Heidelberg feedlot slaughters around 2 000 cattle daily, accounting for a major chunk of the company’s 550 000-strong annual capacity.
Export markets have already reacted, with China, Namibia, and Zimbabwe having suspended beef imports from South Africa.
“The outbreak has severely disrupted the flow of cattle to market, affecting supply and creating uncertainty across the entire value chain. From small-scale cattle farmers to processors, exporters and end consumers, the financial consequences are far-reaching. The temporary halt in movement and operations has placed immense pressure on livelihoods, food security, and industry stability,” Bracken said.
The disruption comes at a time when meat prices are already under pressure from rising input costs and food inflation. Industry stakeholders have called for improved disease surveillance, vaccine production capacity, and long-term biosecurity investment.
Bracken said Karan Beef, as one of the largest integrated beef producers on the African continent, was working closely with authorities to mitigate the crisis.
“Our approach remains aligned with official directives. We continue to work closely with both provincial and national veterinary authorities, as well as through recently established Red Meat Industry Services structures aimed at managing the broader crisis,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus has called for a state of disaster to be declared, saying the entire Southern African red meat industry was at risk.
“This development is a crisis for the entire red meat industry in South Africa and impacts the whole of Southern Africa. Large feedlot operations purchase weaner calves from all over South Africa and prepare them for market,” said Freedom Front Plus Northern Cape leader Dr Wynand Boshoff.
“With this most recent development, the crisis has deepened significantly. If a major buyer, such as Karan Beef, stops purchasing livestock, it disrupts the entire industry. This will drive down meat prices and force farmers to keep cattle on their farms at a time when there is less pasture during the winter months. For subsistence farmers, this could cause severe hardship, as they generally sell livestock in small numbers when they need cash.”
Boshoff said the next two to three weeks would be critical for the red meat industry.
“The Department of Agriculture has to address the crisis with the urgency it warrants while involving all other relevant departments.”
