South Africa is currently experiencing a widespread outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as some wildlife species.

Although humans cannot contract Foot-and-Mouth Disease from consuming meat or milk, the disease inflicts severe suffering on animals, leads to loss of productivity, causes sudden deaths, results in repeated outbreaks, and forces widespread euthanasia to prevent further spread.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is regulated under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984, which classifies it as a government-controlled disease. This legislation prohibits farmers from privately testing for or vaccinating against the disease without explicit state approval.

At the same time, the government has not effectively controlled the outbreak. Adequate and timely vaccination has not been provided at the scale required, and prevention efforts have been delayed as the disease continues to spread. Farmers remain powerless under the law, unable to protect their animals or their livelihoods.

Impact of the Crisis

• Farmers are losing thousands of rand per animal, often across multiple outbreaks.
• Small-scale and emerging farmers are losing market access and income.
• Animals are experiencing unnecessary suffering.
• Anxiety and distress are on the rise in rural communities.
• Food security and affordability are being compromised for all South Africans.

When the state declares a disease to be under government control, it assumes responsibility for its management. If the government fails to fulfil this responsibility, the law should not be used to block lifesaving measures. The current crisis highlights a system that not only prevents farmers from acting but also fails to act itself.

What We Are Calling For

We demand immediate and decisive action to address the crisis:

1. Amend the Animal Diseases Act, 1984, to allow farmers and veterinarians to test and vaccinate animals against Foot-and-Mouth Disease legally.
2. End the blanket classification of Foot-and-Mouth Disease as a government-controlled disease when effective control is not being implemented.
3. Ensure that the government supplies adequate and effective Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines to farmers, prioritising public interest, food security, and animal welfare.
4. Remove legal barriers and criminal risks that prevent urgent preventative action.
5. Provide transparency and accountability for the failures that have allowed this crisis to escalate.
6. Allow appropriate laws for the processing of meat and milk in accordance with modern technology.

Why This Matters

This crisis affects everyone across South Africa. Farmers lose their livelihoods, animals endure unnecessary suffering, and consumers face increasing food prices and food insecurity. When outdated laws and government inaction obstruct prevention efforts, the entire country pays the price. Supporting this petition means demanding reform, promoting accountability, prioritising animal welfare, and protecting South Africa’s food system.

Closing Call to Action

South Africa cannot afford to wait any longer. Animals are suffering now, farmers are facing ruin, and consumers will inevitably be affected. If current laws prevent effective disease control and the government cannot deliver on its responsibilities, both must change.

Sign this petition to demand urgent action, accountability, and the right to prevent further harm.