KZN agricultural union urges disaster declaration as foot and mouth disease spreads

The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has intensified its calls for KwaZulu-Natal to be declared a disaster area, with concerns growing over the escalating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that threatens the province’s livestock sector.

As the outbreak tightens its grip, affecting both rural families reliant on livestock for survival and established agribusinesses, Kwanalu believes urgent intervention is critical.

In a statement released last week, Kwanalu underscored the dire situation faced by farmers across the province.

Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu, said they were witnessing intense pressure across the board.

La Marque said that in many rural communities, the sale of a single animal was a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality.

“Some of the country’s most established commercial operations are at risk of closure, while small-scale farmers face impossible choices between following the law and feeding their families,” she said.

“Kwanalu warns that unless urgent support mechanisms are introduced, including education, mobile permit access, a market within the Disease Management Areas and veterinary services, compliance will remain out of reach for many.”

Furthermore, La Marque sais they welcomed the South African government’s recent push to expand vaccine availability across the province.

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has confirmed the arrival of additional vaccines, with plans for free distribution via State Veterinary Services in affected zones.

La Marque said this must now be matched with on-the-ground coordination, particularly in communal farming areas where the outbreak continues to spread.

She said they were also calling for permit and veterinary support in rural areas, language-specific communication of protocols and economic relief measures for affected producers of all sizes.

“Kwanalu is seeking solutions which are beneficial to all farmers. Agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal is the backbone of economic development, employment and growth and must be protected at all costs,” she said.

Addressing the seriousness of the situation, the Department of Agriculture has announced a forthcoming high-level national Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba set to take place this week.

This two-day event aims to gather South Africa’s foremost veterinary and agricultural experts to address one of the most pressing threats to the livestock industry.

Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa will act as hosts, alongside industry stakeholders, in efforts to develop strategic, long-term solutions against FMD.

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), said that FMD remained a central challenge in South Africa's agriculture.

“The collaborative approach of organised agriculture, government, and various value chain stakeholders is key to ensuring success in controlling the disease,” he said.

“Kwanalu's call for "education, mobile permit access, a market within the DMA and veterinary services" is key. The livestock industry accounts for approximately half of South Africa's farming economy, and its challenges have a significant impact on the entire farming sector.”

Sihlobo added that the red meat industry was also expanding its exports, and the spread of FMD will significantly slow the focus.

“The vaccination underway is the first step and must continue, along with other measures that the industry and government will deliberate. This will be discussed at the FMD Indaba next week.South Africa must address its vaccine manufacturing capability, not just for avian influenza, but also for  FMD and other livestock diseases.”

Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative, said that the situation in KwaZulu-Natal was deeply concerning.

“It is clear that enforcement remains the weakest link in the fight against FMD. Declaring a state of disaster may assist in unlocking resources - which I highly doubt there are, but without visible and consistent enforcement, especially at roadblocks and livestock movement control points, it will mean very little,” Rossouw said.

“We urgently need SAPS intervention to support biosecurity efforts. The disease is spreading not because of a lack of protocols, but because those protocols are not being enforced on the ground. Farmers are doing their part – but unless there is real accountability and policing of livestock movement, the situation will continue to deteriorate.”

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