Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Symposium 2026

At TMR 2025, Dr. Shaun Morris addressed over 300 delegates on South Africa’s response to foot-and-mouth disease, urging the industry to learn, adapt, and build stronger systems going forward.

📅 Issued: 13 June 2025📍 Source: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development 🚨 Important Regulatory Update for Livestock Farmers and Transporters In light of increasing risks around animal disease transmission, new national control measures have been gazetted under the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984). These regulations are aimed specifically at cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, in order to contain the spread of controlled diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). ✅ Key Highlights of the New Measures 📝 Required Movement Documents When moving cattle, sheep, or goats, the following documents are mandatory: A health declaration from the responsible person at the origin farm. A signed undertaking from the destination farm confirming 28-day isolation before integration into the main herd. No movement allowed if animals show symptoms or suspicion of disease. 🐑 Gatherings Like Auctions & Livestock Shows Special biosecurity rules apply due to the high risk of disease spread at animal gatherings. These include: Clear separation between arrival (“dirty”) and biosecure (“clean”) areas. Mandatory on-site biosecurity officer registered with the South African Veterinary Council. Veterinary inspection of animals before and at the gathering. All animal movements and identities must be traceable and recorded for at least 5 years. 🚚 Transport Requirements Vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using approved FMD-effective products. Mixing animals from different origins increases disease risk and is discouraged. Animal conveyances must be registered and tracked. 🧼 Approved Disinfectants for FMD Use only registered products containing: Sodium hydroxide 2% […]

Introduction Sheep feedlots represent a specialized and efficient system of raising weaner lambs for meat production in an intensive environment. Lambs are placed into feedlot pens, where they are fed a carefully formulated ration to optimize feedlot performance.  Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass parameters should be measured. Due to a rapidly growing global population, this agricultural practice has gained popularity as a result of an increased demand for lamb and mutton. The adoption of sheep feedlots is not without its challenges. These animals are entering a high stress, pathogen-filled environment often directly after weaning. Striking a balance between efficient production and responsible farming, with focus on good animal welfare and husbandry, is crucial. There are vital steps in the sheep feedlotting process that need to be considered. Lamb selection Lamb selection is extremely important when purchasing lambs for a feedlot. There are many factors needing careful consideration when selecting a lamb for the feedlot such as weaning weight, age, and breed. These factors need to be thoroughly thought out and planned. For example, light weight lambs are automatically higher risk and are more predisposed to respiratory problems after arrival at the feedlot compared to heavier lambs.   Lamb arrival and vaccination The 3R system is a practice that should be upheld before processing occurs. The newly arrived lambs need to have one hours rest for every hour they spent truck prior to processing. They need to rehydrate themselves with fresh cool water and […]