ASF and FMD expose gaps in South Africa’s Pork Industry

South Africa’s pork industry is facing significant pressure following unprecedented outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). These outbreaks have exposed critical gaps in disease management protocols and biosecurity implementation. While recent regulatory adjustments and expanded slaughter capacity are beginning to ease constraints, the initial response left many producers struggling with operational disruptions.

ASF, a highly fatal disease with no available vaccine, has caused severe losses, with multiple commercial farms affected and an estimated 30,000 pigs culled. This highlights an unusually intense wave of infections across the sector.

Producers impacted by ASF have been the hardest hit, as outbreaks often result in complete herd losses. Although animals without clinical signs may be quarantined and later slaughtered if they remain disease-free, this approach carries significant financial risk due to prolonged feeding costs and uncertain outcomes.

In contrast, herds affected by FMD experience lower mortality rates but still face considerable economic strain. Quarantine measures, non-marketable by-products, and disruptions to the slaughter pipeline have all contributed to financial losses. Early delays in approving designated abattoirs further worsened cash flow challenges, as pigs could not enter the formal slaughter system.

Subsequent policy amendments now allow controlled slaughter at registered non-export abattoirs. In addition, more facilities have been approved to handle pigs from affected areas, helping to ease logistical bottlenecks. However, concerns remain over outdated protocols, particularly the application of cattle-based disease measures to pigs, despite evidence that pigs are not long-term carriers of FMD.

Industry stakeholders are now working with veterinary authorities to refine pig-specific disease protocols, strengthen biosecurity compliance, and improve response coordination. Although softer feed prices and firmer pork prices have provided some relief, sustained recovery will depend on modernising disease control systems and ensuring consistent implementation across the sector.