THE FUSE

The livestock industry is entering a new phase in its response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with producers and industry stakeholders recognising that the disease must now be managed as an ongoing challenge rather than treated as a temporary crisis. This was a key message from a thought-provoking panel discussion held yesterday at NAMPO Cape. RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier joined Niel Venter of Sparta Beef, Johann Kotze of AgriSA and Hendri Truter of Deli Co Meat Wholesalers for a discussion facilitated by Annie Hattingh. The panel examined how the livestock sector is adapting to changing disease management realities while working to protect production, trade and market access. The discussion highlighted the need for the industry to build long-term systems that allow farmers and businesses to remain productive even when disease risks continue to affect livestock production.