With new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) being reported in parts of South Africa, many consumers are wondering whether it is still safe to consume beef and other red meat products.

Here is what to know about the disease and whether it poses any risk to people.

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious viral illness that affects animals with cloven hooves, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

The disease is caused by the foot-and-mouth virus and spreads rapidly among animals. Transmission can occur through direct contact between animals or via contaminated equipment, feed, clothing, and transport vehicles.

It is important not to confuse foot-and-mouth disease with hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a completely different viral illness that mainly affects young children.

Can humans become infected?

Human infection with foot-and-mouth disease is extremely uncommon, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

In the rare instances where infections have been recorded, they were typically associated with individuals who worked closely with infected livestock.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also indicated that FMD is not considered a public health threat in the same category as diseases such as avian influenza or rabies.

Is meat safe to eat?

Meat that has been properly handled and thoroughly cooked is regarded as safe for consumption. Several safeguards are already in place within the formal food supply chain:

• Meat from animals showing signs of illness is not permitted into the regulated food system.
• Livestock that test positive for the disease are usually isolated and controlled.
• The virus is destroyed at normal cooking temperatures.
• Pasteurised milk is also safe for consumption.

Why the concern then?

Although the disease poses little direct risk to human health, its biggest consequences are economic.

Outbreaks often lead to restrictions on livestock movement, the suspension of animal auctions and trade limitations imposed by international partners.

These measures can affect farmers, meat processors and exporters, and may also disrupt supply chains or influence meat prices. However, they do not mean that meat sold in supermarkets is unsafe.

Risks linked to unregulated meat

Consumers are advised to purchase meat from reputable supermarkets or butcheries where products are inspected and handled according to food safety standards.

Buying meat from visibly sick animals or from unregulated slaughter operations should always be avoided — not just during disease outbreaks.

Why outbreaks remain serious

While foot-and-mouth disease presents minimal danger to people, it is regarded as one of the most significant livestock diseases worldwide because of how quickly it spreads and the high costs associated with controlling it.

South Africa has faced periodic outbreaks in recent years, particularly in major cattle-producing regions, with some incidents resulting in temporary export bans.

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