Breakthrough in FMD Cattle Recovery Research Offers Hope for South African Farmers

Recent preliminary findings from a landmark study led by the University of Pretoria have confirmed that meat and offal from cattle recovered from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) pose no significant virus risk, potentially transforming slaughter regulations and slashing financial losses for livestock producers across South Africa. Foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, has plagued the nation's red meat industry since major outbreaks began in 2019, leading to export bans, supply disruptions, and billions in economic damage.

This FMD cattle recovery research addresses a critical gap: current rules mandate the destruction of valuable carcass parts from recovered animals, even weeks after clinical recovery, based on outdated data from actively infected cattle. By proving safety in recovered cases, the study paves the way for evidence-based reforms that could save farmers up to R5,000 per animal while bolstering food security and export potential.

Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Its Devastating Impact in South Africa

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), caused by the Aphthovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family, manifests as fever, blisters on the mouth, feet, and teats, severely limiting animal movement, milk production, and weight gain. In South Africa, SAT-type serotypes (Southern African Territories) dominate, with outbreaks escalating from Limpopo in 2019 to eight of nine provinces by 2026, affecting over 100,000 cattle.

The economic toll is staggering: beef exports plummeted 26% in 2025, equating to R371 million in losses for the first 11 months alone, with shipments to China down 69%. Across three waves from 2019-2025, cumulative export revenue shortfalls exceeded R821 million, threatening the R80 billion livestock sector. Domestic prices have surged, meat supply chains strained, and smallholder farmers—many in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga—face existential threats as culls and movement controls compound recovery challenges.

Government response includes a January 2026 mass vaccination strategy targeting 3.5 million cattle, stricter biosecurity, and traceability via the NAMPS system, but persistent outbreaks underscore the need for scientific innovation.

Current Slaughter Regulations: A Barrier Rooted in Outdated Science

South Africa's FMD regulations, governed by the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), classify slaughter timelines post-'day zero' (clinical recovery or last vaccination): early (15-41 days) requires deboning, pH testing (<6), and discard of head, feet, tongue, lymph nodes, and offal at non-export abattoirs. Late slaughter (6 weeks-3 months) eases some restrictions, but full normalcy only after 3 months.

These blanket measures stem from 1970s-1980s studies on viraemic animals, ignoring post-recovery clearance. Result: massive wastage—offal markets collapse, farmers delay slaughter to avoid losses, prolonging carrier risks and amplifying outbreaks. RMIS estimates annual industry-wide hits in the millions, with ripple effects from feedlots to consumers.

The Landmark University of Pretoria FMD Study: Methodology and Execution

Launched in December 2025 by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) and Zoetis, the 'Evidence-Based Risk Reduction for FMD Virus Persistence at Slaughter' project is led by Professor Armanda Bastos, Director of UP's Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Centre. Spanning phases, Phase 1 targeted virus persistence in recovered cattle.

A multidisciplinary team of 20 slaughtered 90 clinically recovered cattle (minimum 2 weeks post-day zero) at a controlled site. Over 16 hours, they collected 1,800 individual samples—muscle, organs, bone marrow, lymph nodes—from across carcasses. Transported 400km to the BSL-4 Hans Hoheisen facility in Kruger National Park (one of SA's two FMD labs), samples underwent rigorous virological testing for live virus, RNA, and infectivity.

• Targeted high-risk sites: tonsils, pharynx, bone marrow (known carriers).
• Individual testing per sample, not pooling, for precision.
• Controlled variables: uniform recovery time, serotype confirmation.

This rigorous approach marks the first global study on post-recovery cattle, filling a void Prof Bastos highlighted: "Existing research was done on cattle while they were still testing positive."

Photo by Matt Bowden on Unsplash

Preliminary Results: Confirming Safety of Meat and Offal from Recovered Cattle

Preliminary data, announced March 3, 2026, reveal no detectable FMD virus in the vast majority of samples from cattle slaughtered two weeks post-recovery. Key insights:

• Meat (skeletal muscle): Virus-free, safe for consumption and trade.
• Offal (heart, liver, kidneys): Negligible persistence, challenging discard mandates.
• Bone marrow and lymph nodes: Low/no RNA, suggesting carrier status resolves rapidly.

"Our results indicate that many of the regulations currently in force for early slaughter are unnecessary. It appears that most of the animal is safe to use," states Prof Bastos. Full peer-reviewed publication pending, but findings align with Phase 1 goals, validating risk-based over blanket approaches.

These outcomes could exempt recovered cattle from deboning/pH restrictions after 14 days, preserving R5,000+ value per head via intact offal sales—a boon for emerging farmers reliant on by-products.

Economic Relief for Farmers: Quantifying the Gains from FMD Recovery Research

Per-animal losses from early slaughter—destroyed parts, transport, delayed marketing—average R5,000, per industry estimates. Scaled up: RMIS notes millions annually, with 2025 FMD waves costing R3.2 billion under medium scenarios. Exports: R821 million lost 2019-2025; China's ban alone slashed volumes 69%.

South African agricultural jobs in red meat could stabilize, as could feedlot viability. Smallholders, hit hardest (reduced productivity, culls), stand to recover fastest. Prof Bastos warns delays exacerbate outbreaks: "Producers wait longer... creating knock-on effects." New data enables timely slaughter, curbing spread.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Industry Leaders Weigh In

RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier: "FMD costs millions yearly from outdated regs... This research protects livelihoods across the value chain." Zoetis' Dr Ralf Patzelt emphasizes sustainability: "Science-based solutions minimize wastage, strengthen trade."

Farmers echo urgency: KwaZulu-Natal groups report 50% herd impacts, calling for rapid policy shifts. Vets praise UP's role, linking to research jobs in veterinary science. Globally, OIE/WOAH eyes SA data for standards.

Future Phases: Serological Tests, Vaccines, and Pigs

Phase 2 develops serological assays distinguishing carriers from recovered animals, enabling pen-side tests. Phase 3 evaluates vaccine impacts on clearance. Pig extension planned, as FMD hits swine similarly.

Timeline: Full results 2026; policy advocacy via ministerial task team (Prof Bastos member). Integrates with national strategy: 28 million vaccine doses procured, compartmentalization for exports.

Photo by Jennifer Coffin-Grey on Unsplash

Broader Implications for South Africa's Livestock Sector and Higher Education

This FMD cattle recovery research exemplifies University of Pretoria's veterinary leadership, fostering research assistant jobs and collaborations. Boosts biosecurity, export recovery (e.g., China/EU), and resilience amid climate stressors amplifying outbreaks.

Actionable insights: Farmers—monitor recovery via tests; abattoirs—adopt risk-based protocols; policymakers—fast-track regs. Links to sustainable ag careers via higher ed career advice.

Path Forward: Policy Reform, Global Influence, and Farmer Empowerment

With evidence mounting, DAFF eyes regulation updates by mid-2026, potentially saving R billions. Prof Bastos: "No other country has this research... prevent waste worldwide."

For SA farmers: Explore university jobs in ag research; leverage UP/RMIS resources. This study heralds a turning point, blending higher ed innovation with practical relief. Stay informed via rate my professor for vet experts, and check higher-ed-jobs for opportunities in this vital field.