South African Pork Industry Builds Resilience After a Year of Severe Disease Outbreaks
Farmers Magazine | 08.09.2026 13:29
The South African pork industry has faced one of its most challenging periods in recent years as producers continue to deal with African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The scale of the animal health threats has placed significant pressure on commercial pig farms, small-scale producers and the broader pork supply chain. According to the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo), the industry recorded 17 FMD incidents in commercial piggery units during the past year. These outbreaks created operational and financial challenges while forcing producers to reconsider how they manage disease risks on their farms. Despite the disruption, the industry has used the crisis to strengthen biosecurity, improve disease management systems and build greater resilience for the future.
