The Red Meat Industry (RMIS), in collaboration with the University of Pretoria and Zoetis, has launched a research initiative to investigate one of the red meat industry’s most costly challenges: the impact of foot-and-mouth disease persistence in slaughtered cattle. The study, “Evidence-based risk reduction for FMD virus persistence at slaughter”, will generate the scientific evidence required to revise slaughter regulations that impose blanket restrictions on meat from FMD-recovered cattle. 

It’s led by Prof. Armanda Bastos from Tukkies’ faculty of veterinary science. These restrictions are not only outdated but also result in significant wastage, especially on offal and other by-products, causing financial strain across the red meat value chain.

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the red meat industry's most costly challenges. Photo: Pexel

“This is one of the most important research investments RMIS will make,” said RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier.

Prof. Armanda Bastos, director of the Hans Hoheisen Research Centre in the Kruger National Park, said: “The research showcases the rapid strides that can be made when different sectors pool expertise and resources to address the wide-reaching regulatory impacts of FMD.”

The expected outcomes include determining whether deboning is necessary at 15 days post-day zero and quantifying carrier prevalence, as well as identifying virus persistence sites in heads, glands, and offal to guide safe trade. Further outcomes involve developing a serological test to distinguish carriers from recovered animals and assessing how different vaccines affect virus clearance.

Well-being and sustainability

The project, along with eight others, is a direct response to RMIS’s Field to Future framework, and industry-informed process to identify the real-world challenges faced by farmers, feedlots, abattoirs and other value chain stakeholders.

Zoetis livestock business unit director Dr Ralf J. Patzelt said: “As the world’s leading animal health company, we are fully committed to the well-being and sustainability of the red meat industry in South Africa.

“Through this sponsorship, we reaffirm our commitment to partnership, innovation and the advancement of animal health. Together, we contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders in the red meat industry.”

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OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder mvh