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Commercial piggeries in several South African provinces are facing confirmed and suspected outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, with additional cases of African swine fever reported in Gauteng. Some affected farms have shown clinical signs, while laboratory confirmation remains pending in certain cases due to delays. The limited availability of state approved abattoirs for disease affected areas is currently the main obstacle to the controlled slaughter of clinically healthy animals, worsening supply constraints.
Industry and veterinary authorities are working to update contingency measures for managing foot-and-mouth disease in commercial pig production, including clearer protocols for outbreak response, vaccination planning and quarantine periods once clinical signs subside. Efforts are also continuing to contain African swine fever through movement controls and biosecurity measures, as the disease remains active in multiple locations.
Authorities have reiterated that both diseases pose no risk to human health and that pork sold through formal channels remains safe under strict inspection and food safety controls. Despite the relatively small number of affected farms, ongoing spread and control measures are disrupting the value chain and are expected to contribute to tighter pork supply conditions through 2026.
February 10, 2026/South Africa/
https://www.africanfarming.com/
