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September 2025
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) IS A SEVERE, HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS VIRAL DISEASE AMONG LIVESTOCK THAT HAS A SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT. THE DISEASE AFFECTS CATTLE, PIGS, SHEEP, GOATS AND OTHER CLOVEN-HOOFED RUMINANTS.
The recent outbreaks across five of South Africa’s provinces necessitated a ‘Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Indaba’. This two-day meeting, which was held in Pretoria during July, addressed the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the country. The event, hosted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), brought together several experts including veterinary scientists, agricultural economists, and industry leaders to develop strategies for controlling and eradicating FMD.
During the indaba, Dr Frikkie Maré, chief executive officer of the National Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), stated that although FMD does not kill animals, it economically cuts the throats of farmers as they lose their markets.
The timing of when a farmer is placed under quarantine, is critical. If a farmer is placed under quarantine just before weaning, he basically loses his income for that year. He urged farmers to follow regulations to avoid the spread of this debilitating disease.
TAKE THESE STEPS
The FMD virus is vulnerable to extremes in the pH. Both acids (such as citric acid) and bases (such as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide) can destroy the virus. However, to be effective, these disinfectants must be applied properly – in the right concentration and at the right temperature – and must remain in direct contact with the target surface for a sufficient time. Before applying a disinfectant, the surface must free of dirt, dust, manure, mud and other debris.
Proper disposal of solid waste, dirt, bedding, manure and other organic material is important. Local regulations may require burning, burial or composting. Personnel should wear protective clothing (for example, gloves, face masks, goggles or headwear) and rubber boots.
Proceed from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest and from the highest level (ceiling) to the lowest (floor). Equipment that can be removed, should be brushed and soaked in detergent before disinfection. Hoses, connectors, troughs or drains can serve as reservoirs for pathogens and should be cleaned last.
After washing, thoroughly rinse all surfaces at a low pressure to remove any residue. Some disinfectants (i.e., hypochlorite) can be inactivated by soaps and detergents. To reduce the risk of excess dilution of the disinfectant, areas should be allowed to drain or dry before application. Use extra care in high-pressure spraying to minimise spreading contaminants via aerosolization. Personnel should wear protective clothing and rubber boots.
Be sure to:
1. CLEAN
The goal is to remove as much debris as possible. Such material can shield contaminants from the action of chemical disinfectants. Pre-cleaning is also important because many disinfectants are less potent in the presence of organic material. Scrape, brush or sweep the surface to remove all solids (dirt, feed, manure, bedding and other debris). If it is dusty, moisten the area to control dust and minimise aerosolization.
2. WASH
Try to reduce the number of contaminants on the surface as much as possible. Soak surfaces with water and detergent or another cleaning agent. Then wash the surfaces by spraying, wiping or scrubbing. Steam and high-pressure washers can be useful, especially for cleaning porous surfaces. A washing solution can also be applied with a simple, low-pressure garden hose applicator.
3. DISINFECT
The goal is to deactivate the remaining FMD virus. Read the entire product label and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the application is as safe and effective as possible.
Sources
https://rpo.co.za/rpo-gives-input-at-foot-and-mouth-indaba/
https://www.grainsa.co.za/steps-to-destroy-the-fmd-virus
Publication: September 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
Author: RPO NEWSLETTERS