South Africa’s pork Industry builds resilience after major disease outbreaks

South Africa’s pork industry is yet to fully recover from its most challenging animal health year, which was marked by outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) and Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The industry recorded 17 FMD incidents in commercial piggery units, prompting the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo) to distribute and record about 20,000 FMD vaccine doses through its World of Pork digital platform.
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‎The outbreaks also led to changes in disease-control and livestock movement measures, with Sappo working with industry partners to help settle movement fees in disease management areas. Rather than treating FMD as a temporary crisis, the industry has adapted its systems and biosecurity measures to operate under the continuing risk of disease outbreaks, strengthening its resilience.
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‎The disease challenges also affected pork import prices and prompted greater awareness efforts. Meanwhile, mentorship programmes for small-scale farmers and producers, including farm visits, contributed to improved biosecurity and raised the pass rate to 70%. The industry’s academy also recorded 131 completed training modules, alongside business skills and leadership training aimed at strengthening producers and industry participants.