Important food producers sound the alarm over the spreading epidemic in South Africa
South Africa’s red meat industry is in crisis as the country battles what experts are calling one of the most severe outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in its history.
The epidemic has already triggered fears of export bans, soaring meat prices, and mounting financial strain on farmers. As a result, frustrated producers are taking their fight to court.
As of 16 October 2025, there were 274 unresolved FMD outbreaks across five provinces. Vaccine shortages and strict restrictions on livestock movement have worsened the situation.
Banks are also reporting rising financial pressure on their agricultural clients as herds are culled, trade routes close, and costs continue to climb.
According to Ann-Suhet Marx, director and Head of Litigation at Sandton-based law firm VDM Incorporated, the situation has reached a breaking point.
Marx is leading legal proceedings on behalf of the Rooivleis Aksie Groep (RAG) against the Red Meat and Livestock Primary Cluster (RMPC) and its auditing partner, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS NPC).
“This outbreak is one of the most severe in South Africa’s history. Farmers are paying millions in levies every year, yet the disease continues to spread, markets are collapsing, and red meat prices are soaring. The system has failed, and they have had enough,” said Marx.
RAG’s members have accused the RMPC and RMIS NPC of a lack of transparency regarding how millions of rands in industry levies are being used.
These levies (currently set at R14.33 per head of slaughtered cattle) are supposed to fund disease monitoring and prevention efforts.
However, Marx noted there is little to show for it. “Farmers are paying but not seeing any meaningful results,” she said.
“We’ve requested audited accounts showing how the levy funds are spent, but there’s been no adequate response. We’re now taking the case to trial.”
Legal challenge
RAG’s legal challenge focuses on several key issues, including the RMPC’s self-appointed authority and questionable national representation, as well as proposed new levies for a national cattle “traceability” system.
Farmers have also raised concerns about the handling of their data under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and are demanding unrestricted access to FMD testing and consistent veterinary declarations.
“RAG’s demands are reasonable and justified. They are insisting on proof of authority, financial transparency, and a credible plan to combat Foot and Mouth Disease,” said Marx.
“Farmers cannot continue funding empty promises. If RMPC and RMIS NPC cannot show results, they should not be collecting money from farmers.”
South Africa’s failure to control the disease is also putting its global trade status at risk.
As a member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the country is obligated to maintain effective FMD control in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
“Failure to do so will jeopardise South Africa’s international trade status and further isolate its farmers from global markets,” Marx warned.
This is not the first time South Africa has faced an FMD crisis. The country lost its FMD-free status in 2019 after an outbreak in Limpopo, leading to widespread export suspensions.
In 2022, multiple infections across KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Limpopo caused extensive quarantines.
The current outbreak, which began in April 2025, is still spreading, with farmers alleging poor quarantine practices and inadequate veterinary support.
The ripple effects of the epidemic are already being felt at supermarket tills. Stats SA reports that meat inflation climbed to 11.7% in September—the highest level since 2018—while overall consumer inflation edged up from 3.3% in August to 3.4%.
Stewing beef prices have surged by 32.2% over the past year, and while monthly increases have slowed, price levels remain high.
Pork, lamb, and chicken prices have also climbed, with individual quick frozen (IQF) chicken inflation rising from 4.4% in August to 5.0% in September.
“South Africa’s farmers are working under impossible conditions. They’re battling disease, shrinking markets, and now, questions about where their money is going,” added Marx.
“If the institutions meant to protect them are failing to deliver, then accountability through the courts is the only way forward.”
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