Latest news with #StateVeterinaryServices
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SA's largest beef producer Karan Beef confirms a case of foot-and-mouth disease in Heidelberg
Karan Beef confirms a case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease at its feedlot Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers One of the major feedlot groups in South Africa, Karan Beef, has confirmed a case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) at its feedlot in Heidelberg, Gauteng. Karan Beef has imposed a temporary pause on purchases after detecting the disease at its feedlot. The Marketing Manager at Karan Beef, Anso Bracken, revealed that the facility was placed under pre-emptive quarantine on May 30 following the identification of a suspected infection. 'This unfortunate development highlights the ongoing risks faced by the livestock industry, even under rigorous control systems, and Karan Beef is working closely with State Veterinary Services to ensure swift containment and to minimise any further risk to the broader industry,' said Bracken. Karan Beef has not disclosed further details on the implications of the situation for its beef delivery operations across South Africa. However, the company stated that additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Bracken said Karan Beef will remain committed to transparency, compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading South Africa is grappling with significant challenges in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has persisted for several months. This ongoing crisis has led key trading partners, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and China, to suspend imports of meat and related animal products from the country. In response, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced an urgent order for R72 million worth of FMD vaccines to combat the outbreak effectively. "Funds for the procurement of the vaccine have been transferred to Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). The procurement process has started, and the next batch of vaccines is estimated to be delivered by mid-June,' said Steenhuisen. The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has also raised concerns about the disease. The party has called on the Department of Agriculture to intervene and approach this crisis with the necessary urgency. 'This development is creating a crisis for the entire red meat industry in South Africa, even the whole of southern Africa,' said the party. The FF Plus has highlighted that a crisis in northern KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape has escalated into a national emergency. If a major buyer like Karan Beef halts its livestock purchases, it could disrupt the entire industry. This situation is likely to drive meat prices down, forcing farmers to retain cattle on their farms at a time when grazing conditions deteriorate during the winter months. IOL NEWS
The South African
5 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Karan Beef faces foot and mouth outbreak at Heidelberg
Karan Beef, South Africa's largest beef producer, has confirmed an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at its Heidelberg feedlot in Gauteng. BusinessTech reports that the facility spans 2 330 hectares and houses 145 000 cattle. It is the biggest of its kind in Africa and a vital supplier to the country's retail, butchery and restaurant sectors. The company detected the disease on 30 May 2025. This came despite maintaining stringent biosecurity measures, including quarantine protocols and thorough veterinary checks before admitting new cattle. In a statement, Karan Beef said the outbreak highlights the ongoing risks the livestock industry faces, even with strict control measures in place. Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. It can severely impact livestock production and disrupt both local and international trade. While most animals recover, the disease leaves them weakened and can result in significant economic losses. Karan Beef is now working closely with State Veterinary Services to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to other parts of the industry. Authorities typically respond to FMD outbreaks with immediate action. They isolate infected animals. They halt animal movements. In some cases, they depopulate affected areas through controlled slaughter. Authorities then carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection as part of these efforts. Karan Beef has not provided details on what the next steps will be. It also has not disclosed how the outbreak will affect its beef supply across South Africa. Karan Beef assured stakeholders that it remains committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of animal health and welfare. 'Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,' the company added. The outbreak raises concerns about the vulnerability of the country's livestock sector to transboundary animal diseases, even in tightly controlled environments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
