Seven South African provinces are Foot and Mouth Disease Free: What does this mean for the red and game meat trade within and beyond borders?

The recent declaration of seven South African provinces—Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, and North West—as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free, as of November 2024, represents a pivotal development for the country’s red and game meat trade both domestically and internationally (Republic of South Africa, Ministry of Agriculture, 2024). But beyond the headlines, what does this development signify to Africa’s wildlife economy? How will it impact the game meat industry? Is South Africa moving towards FMD-free zone status, and or how can this be achieved? In this article, we discuss the broader implications of lifting the ban on game meat in South Africa and internationally. 

Red Meat Trade and Movement 

The lifting of the FMD ban in these provinces facilitates the free movement of red meat, including game meat, between these regions. Previously, stringent controls were in place to prevent the spread of FMD, limiting inter-provincial and international trade. Now, with the seven provinces FMDD-free, the movement of meat from these zones is no longer restricted, allowing for more fluidity in the domestic market. In principle, for instance, game meat can now be transported from the Northern Cape or North West, directly to markets in Gauteng, without the need for additional health certifications specific to FMD control. Before being recognised as FMD-free, meat from or near regions affected by FMD outbreaks would often have to undergo quarantine periods, extensive testing, or processing under strict biosecurity protocols. This not only increases the time and costs (production and compliance) but also delays market entry. 

Many countries impose tariffs or non-tariff barriers (like import bans or restrictions) on meat from FMD-affected areas. Even if the meat itself is not from an FMD-infected animal, the mere presence of the disease in the region leads to trade restrictions. Achieving FMD-free status will position South Africa to negotiate better trade terms or secure tariff reductions under both international and regional agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Moreover, regions and countries like the EU, USA, or Japan have high import standards for animal health and have, to date, completely or partly banned red meat imports from South Africa and other regions not certified as FMD-free. Also, consumers and international buyers are wary of meat products from such areas, fearing contamination or disease spread, limiting access to premium major markets for these areas. The current FMD-free status in the seven provinces can rebuild consumer/market trust in South Africa’s animal disease management and open premium markets.

International Trade 

South Africa exports red meat to several countries. For instance, in 2018, South Africa exported live cattle and red meat valued at about USD90 million to these countries. This accounted for about 46% of South Africa’s total live cattle and red meat exports. However, market access has been influenced by various factors, including FMD outbreaks. The export of game meat from FMD-free zones to other countries involves navigating through or around FMD red zones and the permitting laws for South Africa and the recipient country. The FMD status has long been a problem for South Africa—not only for livestock but also for game meat. 

An outbreak of FMD in 2019 led to several countries, including China, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, eSwatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, suspending imports of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa—with severe economic losses (US Department of Agriculture, 2019). Moreover, in 2011, the European Union barred the trade of red meat from South African cloven-hoofed animals, including game. The game meat export value was significant in 2010—worth R70 million post-ban, yet the current local market value is estimated to barely reach R10 million annually. After the ban, although producers of game tried to build a domestic market, they struggled to make significant inroads, and disease-resistant species like Zebra are now the most exported to countries in the EU, for example. Bans are common management tools used by countries when there is an outbreak, and South Africa needs to improve how they manage and control the FMD status, along with other diseases like anthrax. 

Since there have been no FMD outbreaks in Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, as of November 2024, countries are beginning to consider imports of red meat from these South African provinces. As of 7 January 2025, Zimbabwe has lifted the ban on the imports of red meat from livestock in the specified FMD-free South African provinces, namely North West, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Northern Cape (Zimbabwe Veterinary Services Directorate, 2025). Many countries are interested in South African red meat and have previously demonstrated this by lifting bans when they are satisfied with meat conditions, notably the FMD status. For example, in late 2023, China and Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on South African red meat imports. The market in Saudi Arabia is estimated at more than $ 5 billion, with plans to increase it to up to 1,000 tons annually. This presents market opportunities for a variety of red meat options in South Africa, including game meat, although trade dynamics are constantly changing due to intermittent FMD outbreaks. 

Several other countries intend to import FMD-free meat from South Africa, but persistent FMD outbreaks and other factors like permitting systems hold them back. Although the USA is not currently a significant market for South African red meat, there is interest. The primary barrier is the stringent health and safety regulations regarding animal diseases, especially FMD. Namibia, a neighbouring country, has recently started exporting red meat to the USA—suggesting potential pathways for South Africa if FMD status continues to improve. Also, interest in South African red meat is potentially high in Europe, Japan, and South Korea due to its quality and variety, which includes game meat. However, the EU, Japan, and South Korea have strict veterinary controls and import protocols related to FMD and other animal diseases. 

To capitalise on this growing export demand and higher international prices, maintaining market access will be crucial for South Africa’s red meat industry. Additionally, minimising the incidence of animal diseases, such as Foot and Mouth Disease, will be essential to achieving this goal. South Africa needs to consistently prove its FMD-free status through rigorous health certifications and inspections. Additionally, diversifying its product offerings by marketing game meat alongside beef and mutton could further enhance market opportunities 

Potential pathways to the local and international game meat trade 

The game industry, central to South Africa’s wildlife economy, stands to benefit considerably from this FMD-free status change, which marks a significant moment for the game meat sector, offering both opportunities and challenges in local and international trade. Locally, this status allows for the unrestricted movement of game meat from these regions, reducing the need for costly health certifications and quarantine measures, which previously slowed down market access and increased production costs. This development enables game meat to flow more freely to major urban markets like Gauteng and Cape Town, enhancing domestic trade by simplifying logistics. Internationally, achieving FMD-free status opens doors to previously inaccessible game meat markets, particularly in high-standard regions like the EU, USA, Japan, and South Korea, where consumer confidence and strict import regulations have historically barred South African red meat, including game products. 

The precedent set by Namibia's red meat exports to the USA signals potential for South Africa if it maintains this status. While FMD outbreaks are common in South Africa, the current status suggests a patenting for collaboratively marketing game meat within the existing red meat markets. However, challenges persist; the history of FMD outbreaks means that international trust must be rebuilt, and continuous vigilance is required to maintain FMD-free status. The trade dynamics can shift quickly with any new outbreak potentially leading to reimposed bans. Moreover, navigating international permitting laws remains complex. Increased trade opportunities could enhance the supply of game meat for both domestic and international markets and stimulate demand for game meat by-products such as hides, bones, and horns.