FMD Declared a National Disaster in South Africa: Legal Framework and Next Steps
Farmers Magazine | 20.02.2026 13:49
The Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) remains the guiding legislation for managing animal diseases in South Africa, despite farming practices evolving significantly since its enactment. The Animal Health Act (Act 7 of 2002), which was intended to replace it, has yet to be implemented, leaving the 1984 act as the primary legal tool. Former director of animal health, Dr Gideon Brückner, noted that although the Animal Health Act was signed into law by former president Thabo Mbeki in 2002, it has never been promulgated. Recent feedback indicates that steps are being taken to implement the act, though the reasons for the delay remain unclear.
