Karan Beef, the largest beef producer in South Africa, has been hit with a case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at its feedlot facility in Heidelberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Karan Beef feedlot in Heidelberg is the largest facility of its kind in Africa, with an area of 2,330 hectares, and it accommodates 145,000 head of cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is the most important feedlot in South Africa and plays a crucial role in providing South African retailers, butcheries, and restaurants with beef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 30 May 2025, Karan Beef identified foot and mouth disease at its Heidelberg feedlot despite its strict adherence to all biosecurity measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These measures include quarantine protocols and thorough veterinary inspections prior to the intake of cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis unfortunate development highlights the ongoing risks faced by the livestock industry, even under rigorous control systems,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karan Beef is working closely with State Veterinary Services to ensure swift containment and to minimise any further risk to the broader industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock like cattle, swine, and sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a transboundary animal disease that significantly impacts livestock production and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and their products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FMD is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The disease causes severe production losses, and although the majority of affected animals recover, it often leaves them weakened and debilitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If foot-and-mouth disease is detected in a feedlot, immediate action is crucial to control its spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes reporting the outbreak to authorities, isolating infected animals, and implementing strict biosecurity measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In affected areas, depopulation through controlled slaughter may be necessary, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karan Beef has not provided details on what the next steps will be or how it will affect its beef delivery across South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company stated that it remains committed to transparency, compliance, and upholding the highest standards of animal health and welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFurther updates will be provided as more information becomes available,\u201d the company said in a statement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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