South Africa’s dairy industry has warned that inconsistent and non-standardised foot-and-mouth disease controls are placing it under mounting strain, despite scientific consensus that properly processed dairy products are safe for human consumption.
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At issue is the way that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) eradication protocols are being applied to dairy exports. Processor Clover SA argues that animal disease control measures are being conflated with dairy processing standards, resulting in restrictions that exceed international norms and effectively close key markets.
Johann Vorster, CEO of Clover SA, described the situation as a regulatory impasse with serious consequences for the entire value chain.
“FMD is a national disaster that requires strong eradication measures,” he said in a statement.
“However, these are being wrongly conflated with dairy processing standards. This is shutting down exports of products that are scientifically safe for human consumption.”
Limited impact on farms, for now
On the production side, the immediate on-farm impact has so far been limited, largely due to delays in mass vaccination.
“Currently, because of the vaccine shortage, there are not many restrictions due to protocols, because there are very few farms at this stage that have been vaccinated,” Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation, told Farmer’s Weekly.
With a new vaccine shipment now in the country and broader inoculation expected, Ferreira warned that applying current regulations to vaccinated herds could increase pressure and costs.
“If the current regulations are applied, it will put a lot of pressure on farmers because of protocols and quarantine regulations.”
He added that the industry is working through ministerially appointed structures to revise a draft contingency plan that, in his view, lacks key details on milk handling.
“At this stage, the only thing addressed is that double pasteurisation will no longer be necessary,” he noted.
Export stability critical for prices
When asked whether producers had experienced reduced pickups, Ferreira said that milk collections remain stable for now.
However, he confirmed early signs of market strain: “I get weekly calls from processors who say, ‘Do we know about milk lying around?’”
Although exports account for a relatively small share of production, Ferreira stressed their importance in maintaining domestic price stability.
“The vast majority of our production is absorbed and sold domestically. But even if it’s only 5% or 10% that’s exported, and suddenly it can’t be exported, that milk has to be pushed into an already saturated market. Then it will have a great effect.”
Most dairy exports go to neighbouring countries, and Ferreira explained that even small volumes play a stabilising role.
“Even a small amount of exported milk contributes significantly to our milk price. It helps keep prices stable.”
Rising compliance costs
Ferreira said producers are already carrying substantial biosecurity costs.
“Most of our dairy farmers have been practising very strong biosecurity measures for at least the last 18 months.”
He described farms investing heavily in vehicle disinfection systems, sanitation infrastructure, and protective clothing.
“There are definitely additional costs, and a lot of chemicals that they use.”
Ferreira added that any disruption to milk collection would have serious consequences.
“Milk has to be collected at least every two days. At many of our larger producers, it’s collected daily. On farm, there isn’t always room to store more milk.”
He warned that delays in collection would affect the entire value chain.
Proportionate and science-based?
A key concern is whether current measures are proportionate to the actual risk posed by processed dairy products.
“No, definitely not. I don’t think they’re necessary,” Ferreira said, arguing that some regulations are scientifically unfounded. He referenced standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health, noting that properly pasteurised milk from vaccinated herds is considered safe.
“If milk can be pasteurised – even single pasteurisation – and it is considered safe for domestic consumption, why can’t it be safe for foreign consumption? There shouldn’t be different regulations.”
Ferreira also raised concerns about delays in serological testing, which complicate herd FMD classification and regulatory enforcement.
“The agencies that have to do these tests are so far behind,” he said, adding that this makes it difficult to determine the true status of herds and apply rules consistently.
‘Devastating’ if unresolved
Despite tensions, Ferreira said the industry is largely aligned: “We don’t have time to play with this stuff. There has to be unity. We’re going to have to complement each other and understand each other.”
