Steenhuisen leads visit to Karan Beef feedlot as FMD battle intensifies

Steenhuisen confirmed that government has set aside R43 million for the purchase of vaccines to fight the outbreak. He said the first batch of over 900 000 vaccine doses arrived in South Africa from the Botswana Vaccine Institute last week, enabling vaccinations to begin over the weekend.

READ RMIS calls for urgent reform in the global classification of FMD strains

“We will continue to purchase vaccines to get the outbreak under control, not just in Gauteng but also in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where there is a major outbreak,” Steenhuisen said addressing the media at the facility.

He confirmed that a second order of vaccines was already on the way, while the Agricultural Research Council was in the final stages of developing a local vaccine.

Steenhuisen stressed the importance of responsibility throughout the beef value chain.

“While vaccination is under way, the entire meat supply chain must act responsibly to prevent the spread, from farm gate to auction house, abattoir to consumer,” he said.

“It’s now about taking our efforts to the next level to contain any additional spread of FMD,” the minister said.

“It’s about ensuring we have uniform biosecurity standards across the country, whether you’re a small-scale farmer or a large commercial operation.”

Strict biosecurity measures were observed at the Karan Beef facility, with all vehicles and people undergoing sanitisation before entry.

The walkabout at the facility included veterinary experts, Department of Agriculture leadership, and Karan Beef management, with a strategic meeting concluding the day to align future actions.

“We’re not just focusing on one facility,” Ramokgopa said. “It’s about making sure that we make the circle bigger, from communal farmers to commercial producers, so that biosecurity is treated with the same level of urgency across the entire livestock chain.”

Amid rising consumer concern, Steenhuisen was clear in his assurance that South African beef remained safe to eat.

“Beef is safe to eat; FMD does not affect humans,” he said.

“Once vaccinated, livestock are cleared for processing after six weeks.”

This public reassurance comes as red meat prices continue to rise due to supply disruptions. The minister acknowledged the impact on both producers and consumers.

“Consumers can continue to buy and enjoy beef with confidence. Our veterinary services and abattoirs are taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety.”

He said KZN continued to be the most affected province, with the northern region having required an expansion of the declared disease management area twice due to illegal animal movement and unregulated auctions.

“What we don’t want are more spreader events; that’s why regulations on auctions and animal movements have been put in place,” he explained.

“If people don’t adhere to these, we’ll see further outbreaks in other parts of the country.”

While major outbreaks persist in Gauteng and KZN, smaller cases have also emerged in Mpumalanga and North West. One outbreak in North West was traced to a feedlot in Ventersdorp after FMD lesions were detected during a meat inspection at a Madibeng abattoir.

Beyond immediate containment, the Department of Agriculture is engaging the red meat industry to develop a regionalisation strategy aimed at regaining FMD-free status. Surveillance systems will also be strengthened to reassure global trading partners, according to the minister.

“We can only stabilise exports once we provide assurance to trading partners that the outbreak is contained and that surveillance systems are in place to monitor the situation,” Steenhuisen said.

“We are also working closely with state veterinarians in the field to ensure the vaccines reach the most vulnerable areas first, especially communal farming zones where resources are limited.

“The vaccine drive is critical. These 900 000 doses need to be administered quickly, and we are working to ensure that happens. This is not just about saving cattle, it’s about protecting jobs, stabilising food prices, and preserving the integrity of South Africa’s beef export industry.”