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South Africa pork supply is under sustained pressure following confirmed and suspected outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever at multiple commercial piggeries. Mortality rates of up to 20 percent have been reported in infected herds, largely among piglets and young weaners, while disease control measures have sharply limited access to approved abattoirs for clinically healthy animals. At the same time, African swine fever outbreaks have led to the culling of tens of thousands of pigs, including breeding sows, weakening productive capacity across the value chain.
Market impacts are already evident, with carcass prices rising by about 26 percent between late May 2025 and late January 2026 across major categories. With losses in both output and breeding stock, industry assessments indicate supply will remain tight throughout 2026, supporting firm prices for producers still able to supply the market while increasing pressure on consumers.
Disease risks remain elevated due to ongoing outbreaks and under reporting in informal production systems, which complicates surveillance and control. Authorities are updating contingency plans for foot-and-mouth disease in commercial piggeries, alongside industry protocols and plans to introduce approved vaccines for pigs. Strategic vaccination on affected farms and surrounding cattle herds is being considered, while culling remains the primary control measure for African swine fever.
February 16, 2026/South Africa/
https://www.africanfarming.com/
