SA feedlot association opposes Namibian, Botswana imports
The South African Feedlot Association (SAFA) has rejected the importation of livestock and beef products from Namibia and Botswana under current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) conditions, citing risks to South Africa’s red meat industry and export markets.
In a statement dated 20 October, SAFA said its executive committee had unanimously decided against the imports, although the position could be reviewed in future.
The association acknowledged that imports could ease the current shortage of calves and relieve pressure on feedlots. However, it said the potential short-term benefits did not outweigh the risks to the wider industry.
SAFA said protecting South Africa’s beef export markets and restoring trading partners’ confidence in its ability to control FMD must remain priorities. It cautioned that a comparable FMD status in Namibia and Botswana did not remove the need for careful consideration of disease management, animal movements and the effectiveness of control measures.
The association said South Africa’s own experience had shown how difficult it could be to assess the full extent of an outbreak and contain the disease, with areas initially considered under control later presenting further challenges.
It warned that undermining the confidence of international trading partners could have long-term consequences for the industry.
SAFA stressed that its decision was a precautionary measure and was not intended to criticise Namibia or Botswana, whose livestock producers were also facing the effects of FMD.
The association also called on South African livestock producers to strengthen disease-control efforts, emphasising that responsibility extended across the entire red meat value chain, including farmers, feedlots, abattoirs, traders, transporters, veterinarians and government authorities.
It urged producers to participate in vaccination programmes where recommended and in accordance with veterinary and regulatory requirements.
However, SAFA said vaccination alone was insufficient, highlighting the need for sound biosecurity, responsible livestock movements and compliance with disease-control measures.
The association called on producers reluctant to vaccinate their herds to reconsider, warning that uncontrolled FMD could lead to movement restrictions, production disruptions, lost market opportunities and financial hardship.
SAFA said cooperation between industry stakeholders and government was essential to safeguarding livestock producers’ livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of the red meat sector.
