SA Pork Industry shows progress in the fight against FMD and ASF

The pork industry in South Africa is beginning to see progress in managing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and african swine fever, as new regulations, vaccine rollouts and expanded abattoir approvals improve the sector’s ability to respond to the outbreaks. The Industry authorities had said that the combination of regulatory adjustments, increased slaughter capacity and collaboration between government and producers is helping to stabilise pork production and maintain supply through formal channels.

Since late 2025, a limited number of confirmed and suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported across several provinces, while african swine fever outbreaks have remained concentrated in a small geographic area. All affected farms remain under strict veterinary supervision, with disease control measures which includea culling, movement restrictions and monitoring. Authorities have emphasised that pork sold through registered abattoirs and formal retail systems remains safe for consumption.

Recent regulatory amendments now allow controlled slaughter at registered non-export abattoirs after a defined outbreak period, easing logistical pressure on producers. Additionally, vaccine shipments and the approval of more abattoirs to handle pigs from controlled areas are also strengthening the industry’s response to manage the situation. Although supply disruptions have pushed pork carcass prices up by around 26 percent over the past year and reduced retail demand, industry groups had said that the latest measures are laying the foundation for a gradual recovery in the sector.