If you’ve recently searched for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa, African Swine Fever in pigs, or wondered whether pork is safe to eat, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear summary of what FMD and ASF are, and what they mean for you as a consumer.
What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)?
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. South Africa had an internationally recognised FMD free zone without vaccination status, which was suspended in January 2019 following outbreaks in the previous free zone. Since 2019, a number of FMD outbreak events have occurred. Some events have been resolved and closed with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), while some outbreak events remain open.
Key facts about FMD:
- It affects livestock — NOT HUMANS
- It is not a food safety risk
- Pork and other meat remain safe to eat
- Vaccines are available and used under veterinary supervision
- South Africa currently has structured FMD control and vaccination programmes
High potency vaccines are being imported from international suppliers. These are being distributed under the supervision of our national state veterinary services. Recently, South Africa strengthened its response capacity through local vaccine production at the Agricultural Research Council, improving long-term disease management. FMD primarily impacts animal movement, farming operations and international trade, not consumer health.
What is African Swine Fever (ASF)?
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a serious viral disease of pigs, regulated under South Africa’s Animal Diseases Act of 1984. Traditionally, ASF was confined to the legislated “ASF controlled area,” where the sylvatic cycle, transmission between warthogs and soft ticks, occurs. However, since 2012, outbreaks have spread beyond this zone, affecting domestic pigs through the domestic cycle, which involves pig-to-pig contact and contaminated pig products. ASF causes very high mortality rates in pig herds but no other species are affected.
Key facts about ASF:
- It affects pigs only
- It does NOT INFECT HUMANS or other animals
- It is not a food safety concern
- There is currently no widely approved commercial vaccine
- Biosecurity is the main prevention tool
ASF can be severe for pig farms, but it poses no risk to consumers.
What Is the Difference Between FMD and ASF?
| Feature | Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) | African Swine Fever (ASF) |
| Affects only pigs? | No | Yes |
| Affects humans? | No | No |
| Food safety risk? | No | No |
| Vaccine available? | Yes | No |
| Primary control method | Vaccination + biosecurity | Biosecurity |
How Are FMD and ASF Controlled in South Africa?
South Africa has strict animal health and veterinary control systems in place.
Control measures include:
- Farm biosecurity protocols
- Surveillance and testing
- Quarantine and movement controls
- Controlled vaccination programmes (for FMD)
- Rapid outbreak response
The South African pork industry operates under national veterinary regulations and meat safety standards to ensure that pork reaching retailers is inspected and safe.
Is Pork Safe to Eat During an FMD or ASF Outbreak?
YES.
Both Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever are animal health diseases. They do not affect humans and do not make pork unsafe to eat. Pork sold through formal retail channels in South Africa complies with:
- National meat inspection standards (Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000)
- Veterinary health regulations (Red Meat Regulations)
- Food safety compliance requirements
Consumers can continue enjoying pork with confidence.
Where Can Consumers Get Reliable Information About FMD and ASF?
For further reading on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever, visit trusted international and national animal health authorities:
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
https://www.woah.org
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
https://www.fao.org
Department of Agriculture
https://www.nda.gov.za
These organisations provide up-to-date scientific information and disease control updates.
SAPPO’s Commitment to Safe, Responsible Pork Production
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) works closely with veterinarians, regulatory authorities and producers to ensure:
- Responsible farming practices
- Strict biosecurity standards
- Transparent communication
- Safe, high-quality pork for South African consumers
Animal health challenges are managed through structured systems designed to protect both the industry and the public.
In Summary
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF) are serious animal health diseases that affect livestock, but they do not affect humans and do not make pork unsafe to eat. The South African pork industry remains committed to maintaining high health and safety standards, ensuring that consumers can continue to enjoy pork with confidence.
