RMIS NEWS

New statutory measures provide continuity for key industry services and the long-term development of South Africa’s red meat sector  

Pretoria, 5 November 2026 — The new Red Meat Statutory Levy cycle has officially appeared in Government Gazette No. 55673 and takes effect today, 5 November 2026, marking the start of a new four-year cycle for South Africa’s red meat industry. 

The statutory measures, approved by the Minister of Agriculture, will remain in effect until 4 November 2030 and cover levies, records and returns, and registrations across the red meat industry. The Red Meat Primary Cluster (RMPC) applied for their continuation on behalf of its constituents, while Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) NPC remains the appointed administrator of the statutory levy. 

For RMIS, the start of the new cycle represents more than the continuation of a funding mechanism. It provides the industry with a collective means of investing in priorities that affect the resilience, competitiveness and future growth of the entire red meat value chain. 

“This is ultimately about what the industry can achieve together,” said Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS. “There are challenges facing the red meat sector that cannot be solved by individual producers or organisations working in isolation. The levy gives us the ability to pool resources and direct them towards issues that matter to the whole value chain, while remaining accountable for how those funds are used.” 

From establishment to implementation 

RMIS was established as a non-profit company in 2022, when the 2022–2026 statutory levy period commenced. Its Board was appointed and the organisation became operational during the first cycle, with levy-funded projects subsequently brought together around the priorities of the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030. 

This meant the first cycle was not only about implementing projects. It also required building the organisational and industry infrastructure and lasting capabilities through which those projects could be delivered. 

Traceability Ecosystem: Among the most significant developments was the establishment of an industry-driven national traceability platform. Today, more than 15,000 production units are registered, with 17 digital livestock management systems connected to the traceability ecosystem. This gives industry role-players a range of options through which they can participate in traceability, rather than requiring the entire industry to adopt a single system. 

Disease Operational Centre: When Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) began spreading rapidly, the industry also needed the ability to respond quickly. RMIS established a fully operational Disease Operations Centre in under 90 days, bringing together veterinary capacity, authorised biosecurity marshals, live disease mapping, automated WhatsApp alerts and a dedicated FMD information hub. 

FMD Vaccination support: RMIS has also supported government with the distribution of FMD vaccines to farmers, appointed animal health technicians to assist with the vaccination rollout, and distributed industry traceability tags to strengthen record-keeping during the mass vaccination campaign. More recently, RMIS secured FMD vaccines for the industry at cost price, helping to ensure that producers do not carry additional mark-ups on the cost of vaccines. 

Industry-led Research: Another important development was the introduction of Field to Future, which changed the way RMIS identifies and prioritises research and other industry interventions. The process brings producers and value chain role-players directly into the conversation, helping to ensure that funding is directed towards real-world challenges experienced on the ground, rather than research priorities being determined in isolation. 

The impact of the first levy cycle extends well beyond these examples. Levy-funded interventions have also supported veterinary disease surveillance and monitoring, veterinary public health services, meat safety and compliance, consumer education, rural and developing farming communities, training and skills development, and many more. 

A more comprehensive view of RMIS programmes, progress and levy-funded outcomes is available through its operational reports and levy outcomes timeline on the RMIS Operational Reports page: https://rmis.co.za/operational-reports/ 

“The first four years were about much more than funding projects. We had to build the mechanisms that allow the industry to act collectively,” said Olivier. “Those foundations are now in place. The opportunity in the next cycle is to build on them and increase the impact we deliver to the industry.” 

Building on the first levy cycle 

With the new statutory levy cycle now in effect, RMIS enters the next four years with established programmes, stronger industry infrastructure and a clearer understanding of where collective investment can make the greatest difference. 

The focus for the 2026–2030 cycle will be on building on what has already been implemented, strengthening what works and responding to new challenges as they emerge. This includes continuing to improve the industry’s animal health and disease response capabilities, expanding participation in traceability, supporting market access, investing in relevant research and ensuring that levy-funded interventions deliver practical value across the red meat value chain. 

For the 2026/27 statutory year, the levy is set at R15.80 per head of cattle and R3.08 per head of small stock, with annual increases provided for over the four-year cycle. 

RMIS will continue to administer statutory levy income within the governance requirements of the new cycle. Statutory levy funds are subject to auditing requirements by the Auditor-General. 

For RMIS, however, the measure of the next cycle will not simply be the number of programmes funded or projects completed, but the difference those interventions make to the industry and how it contributes to the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030. 

The four-year cycle gives the industry a framework within which to continue addressing some of its most pressing priorities while building towards a more resilient, inclusive and internationally competitive South African red meat sector. 

Consumer interest in protein-rich foods continues to shape food markets around the world. According to Euromonitor International, while the current “proteinmaxxing” social media trend encouraging consumption of high amounts of protein for muscle building and losing weight may eventually slow down. But long-term demand for protein is still expected to keep growing.

Growth is expected to be driven by factors such as expanding middle-class populations in developing markets, increased focus on health and nutrition, and consumers seeking quality sources of protein.

For the red meat industry, these trends reinforce the importance of providing consumers with nutritious, high-quality protein while continuing to build trust through transparency, sustainability and responsible production.

As global protein demand evolves, staying informed about changing consumer preferences will remain essential for the future of the industry.

Read the full article here

Research and innovation continue to drive the global beef industry forward. In New Zealand, the Cool Beef Programme is bringing together farmers, researchers and industry partners to better understand the relationship between feed efficiency, methane emissions and production traits in beef cattle.

Over the next four years, the programme will collect data from thousands of cattle to help build a clearer picture of how efficiency, productivity and emissions are linked. The long-term goal is to support future breeding decisions with robust science and practical information.

Initiatives like these highlight the importance of research-led solutions that help producers remain productive, profitable and resilient while meeting the challenges of the future.

Click here for more

Recent engagements between South African and Namibian livestock industry bodies have underscored the need for sheep and cattle to be managed under separate import protocols, recognising the significantly different foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) risk profiles associated with each species.

Following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia’s Karas Region on 23 September 2026, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) participated in a series of stakeholder engagements in Namibia on 8 and 9 October 2026. The discussions brought together key livestock industry representatives from Namibia and South Africa to consider future trade protocols and
animal health measures governing the movement of livestock between the two countries.

The Namibian delegation included the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), the Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO) and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), while South African participants included RMIS, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) and Agri SA.

A key outcome of the discussions was broad agreement that the animal health risks associated with the movement of sheep differ from those associated with cattle, warranting species-specific protocols. Industry can play an important part in ensuring that solutions are practical by informing on the standards and protocols for import of sheep, cattle and meat, but ultimately those
standards must be negotiated and agreed upon by the veterinary authorities of South Africa and Namibia before trade can resume.

“The livestock sectors of South Africa and Namibia are closely connected, and it is in everyone’s interest to find workable solutions that protect animal health while supporting producers on both sides of the border, said RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier. “Our role as industry is to contribute constructively to that process and ensure producers’ realities are understood, but the final
protocols must be determined by the respective veterinary authorities.”

Sheep: welcome, on clear terms

Namibia and South Africa share a long-established sheep trade relationship, with between 80% and 90% of Namibian sheep destined for the South African market. During the discussions, there was broad support for maintaining this important trade flow, provided appropriate safeguards are in place. First and foremost, imported sheep must be safe and free of foot-and-mouth disease risk. It was further emphasised that abattoir throughput should be managed responsibly to avoid oversupplying the local market and adding additional pressure, while any agreement should be based on reciprocity, allowing for the movement of South African genetic material into Namibia.

Cattle: a cautious and controlled approach

The position on cattle is considerably more sensitive, given the current FMD situation. Namibian cattle must be handled and vaccinated in the same way as South African cattle. This may require animals to move south, below the red zone in the Karas region, where they would be vaccinated and monitored in a feedlot for a minimum of two weeks before export to South Africa. “Where cattle are concerned, there is no room for shortcuts,” said Olivier. “Imported animals must meet exactly the same vaccination and handling standards as our own herd.”

A newly published study explored how visible (Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) technology can be used to identify different beef production systems and support beef label claims. Researchers found that by analysing the unique spectral “fingerprint” of beef, these tools could distinguish between production systems such as grass-fed, feedlot and other farming approaches with promising levels of accuracy.

The research also showed that portable scanning devices may offer a practical, lower-cost option for verifying production claims directly at abattoirs, grading facilities or processing plants. While more testing is needed under real commercial conditions, the technology has the potential to strengthen traceability, support product authentication, and help reduce the risk of fraud in the beef value chain. As consumer demand for trusted product information grows, innovations like these could play an important role in protecting the integrity of beef markets.

A Swedish study has investigated whether the timing of introducing complementary foods during infancy is associated with the risk of food allergies later in childhood. The study found that children who were introduced to meat earlier during their first year of life were less likely to be diagnosed with food allergies by the age of six.

What did the researchers investigate?

Researchers analysed data from the Swedish NICE birth cohort, following hundreds of children from infancy through to six years of age. Their aim was to understand whether the timing of introducing different foods during a baby’s first year could influence the risk of developing food allergies, eczema or allergic asthma later in childhood.

The study included 462 children with detailed dietary information. During the first year of life, parents completed monthly questionnaires about breastfeeding, formula feeding and the introduction of various foods, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, fruits, potatoes, bread, porridge and other complementary foods.

When the children reached six years of age, they were assessed by a paediatric allergy specialist, with food allergy diagnoses confirmed using standard clinical assessment and food-challenge testing where appropriate.

What did the study find?

The most notable finding was that children who were introduced to meat earlier had a lower likelihood of developing food allergies by age six.

Researchers found that:

• Earlier meat introduction was associated with a 24% lower risk of food allergy.
• The association remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
• The association became even stronger when children who already had food allergies at age one were excluded from the analysis.

By age six, the prevalence of allergic conditions in the study group was:

• 3.7% had food allergies
• 16% had atopic eczema
• 12% had allergic asthma

What about eczema and asthma?

Interestingly, the timing of introducing foods during infancy did not appear to influence the risk of developing eczema or allergic asthma.

While researchers observed some associations with foods such as eggs and margarine, these findings were less consistent after accounting for factors such as family history of allergies and existing allergies in infancy.

What does this mean?

The findings suggest that introducing meat earlier in infancy may be linked to a lower risk of food allergy later in childhood. However, this was an observational study, meaning it can identify associations but cannot prove that earlier meat introduction directly prevents food allergies.

Every child is different, and feeding decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and according to relevant infant-feeding guidelines.

As researchers continue to investigate the relationship between nutrition and immune development, studies like this help improve our understanding of how early dietary choices may influence long-term health outcomes.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) remains one of the most significant animal health challenges in South Africa and worldwide. It affects livestock productivity, trade, and farmer livelihoods — making it a key focus area for animal health, traceability, and research under Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS).

So, which animals get Foot and Mouth Disease, how does it spread, and what is being done to control it? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about this highly contagious livestock disease and the role RMIS plays in strengthening South Africa’s defences against it.

What Is Foot and Mouth Disease?

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals — animals with split hooves. It is caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease virus (Aphthovirus), which spreads quickly between herds and across borders.

The disease leads to blisters and ulcers on the mouth, tongue, teats, and hooves, causing pain, fever, and a sharp drop in milk and meat production. Although FMD has a low mortality rate in adult animals, it causes enormous economic and trade losses due to movement restrictions and export bans.

What Causes Foot and Mouth Disease?

The FMD virus exists in seven different strains — O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3.
In Southern Africa, SAT (Southern African Territories) 1–3 are the most common. These strains often persist in African buffalo populations, making disease control more complex.

Transmission occurs through:

• Direct contact between infected and healthy animals
• Contaminated vehicles, feed, clothing, or equipment
• Windborne spread over short distances
• Movement of infected animals across regions or borders
• Humans – FMD can live in a person’s throat (airway) up to 3 days, even if you feel fine, you could pass it to your animals just by breathing near them

This is why traceability and strict biosecurity controls are vital — both areas where RMIS plays a leading role.

Which Animals Get Foot and Mouth Disease?

The keyword question — which animals get Foot and Mouth Disease — can be answered simply: any cloven-hoofed animal is susceptible. However, some species are more vulnerable or act as long-term carriers.

Let’s break it down:

Cattle

• Most susceptible hosts of the virus.
• Show clear clinical signs: fever, drooling, and blisters on the mouth, nose, and hooves.
• Reduced milk yield, weight loss, and secondary infections often follow.
• Movement bans cause major economic strain on farmers and processors.

Pigs

• Highly infectious amplifiers — they release large amounts of virus particles.
• Often show severe blisters on the snout and feet, leading to lameness and loss of appetite.
• FMD can devastate entire pig farms if not quickly contained.

Sheep and Goats

• May show mild or no visible symptoms, making early detection difficult.
• Despite appearing healthy, they can still spread the virus silently within flocks or to other species.

Buffalo and Wild Game

• African buffalo are natural reservoirs of the SAT strains of FMD.
• They can carry the virus for extended periods without showing symptoms.
• The wildlife–livestock connections, particularly in conservation areas, remain one of the main challenges for disease eradication in South Africa.

Also learn about: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Animals in SA

Animals That Don’t Get Foot and Mouth Disease

Not all animals are affected by this virus. Horses, donkeys, and humans do not get Foot and Mouth Disease.

It’s important to note that the human illness called “Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease” — often seen in children — is completely different. It’s caused by a separate virus and has no connection to the livestock disease.

This clarification helps prevent confusion and unnecessary panic during outbreaks.

How Foot and Mouth Disease Spreads

The FMD virus is incredibly resilient and can survive in soil, clothing, and equipment for weeks under cool conditions. It spreads through:

• Direct animal contact: saliva, milk, or respiratory droplets.
• Contaminated materials: feed, vehicles, boots, tools, or bedding.
• Airborne transmission
• Cross-border livestock movement: one of the biggest challenges in Southern Africa.

This highlights the need for digital traceability — ensuring each animal can be tracked from farm to abattoir. RMIS’s national traceability framework helps make this possible.

Recognising the Symptoms

Quick identification is crucial. Here’s what to look for:

• High fever followed by drooling and loss of appetite
• Blisters and ulcers on the mouth, tongue, or lips
• Lameness or reluctance to walk
• Sores between hooves
• Reduced milk production in dairy cattle
• Weakness or sudden death in young animals

Farmers should immediately report suspected cases to local state veterinarians and/or state animal health officers.

Controlling and Preventing Foot and Mouth Disease

The Minister of Agriculture appointed the Ministerial Task Team for Controlled Diseases (MTT) to strengthen national coordination in managing FMD outbreaks. 

The team is focusing on six priority areas:

1. Field Services & Epidemiology
2. Diagnostics & Surveillance
3. Vaccination
4. Research
5. Feedlots & Auctions
6. Market Access

South Africa maintains a zoned control system, dividing regions into:

• FMD-free zones (export-approved)
• Protection zones (buffer areas)
• Infected zones (where outbreaks have occurred)

Key prevention and control measures include:

• Vaccination campaigns: Using locally relevant SAT-strain vaccines. RMIS recently helped coordinate the procurement of 644,000 doses to strengthen national vaccine supply.
• Movement restrictions: Preventing spread between zones and provinces.
• Biosecurity protocols: Cleaning vehicles, equipment, and footwear between farms.
• Traceability Platform: Tracking livestock movements to contain outbreaks faster.

The Future of FMD Control in South Africa

RMIS’s vision aligns with the Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030 — building a resilient, traceable, and inclusive red meat value chain.

By investing in:

• Digital traceability and animal identification systems
• Appointing a dedicated Veterinarian
• RMIS Operational Centre
• Early-warning disease surveillance
• Research through the Field to Future programme
• Collaboration with state veterinarians and farmer associations

South Africa can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks — safeguarding both animal health and rural livelihoods.

Conclusion: Which Animals Get Foot and Mouth Disease?

So, which animals get Foot and Mouth Disease? Primarily cloven-hoofed species — cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffalo — are at risk. While horses and humans remain unaffected, the broader impact on trade and community welfare makes FMD a national concern.

Want to know more about which animals get Foot and Mouth Disease and how to protect your herd? Stay informed through RMIS’s latest updates, vaccination insights, and traceability solutions. Contact RMIS today to help strengthen South Africa’s animal-health and biosecurity systems.