Wildlife Group - South African Veterinary Association 2026 Protocol on FMD Control
- WRSA
- Feb 11
- 1 min read
FINAL DRAFT PROTOCOL ON FMD CONTROL IN DISEASE-FREE BUFFALO POPULATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
1. PREAMBLE
The current FMD outbreak poses a serious threat to game ranching, especially the disease-free buffalo sector. South Africa has 3,225 registered disease-free buffalo ranches, of which 51% are in the Limpopo Province, supporting over 75,000 buffalo worth around R16 billion.
Many livelihoods are at risk in the tourism, conservation and hunting industries, while the welfare of many animals is at stake. The threat is amplified by the lack of recognition of the potential impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the wildlife industry.
It is of concern that controlling FMD in wildlife and more specific in disease free buffalo, was not considered in the National FMD Control Strategy which is reflected by lack of appointing wildlife veterinary expertise on the Ministerial Task team (MTT). Whereas the National Strategy underwrites the principles of the WHOA, it does not recognise that South Africa is in a unique FMD situation with disease free buffalo as an important economic role player.
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