Foot and mouth disease | Steenhuisen, Germany closes partnership

South Africa and Germany have signed a partnership to work together in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and to strengthen trade in animal products.

John Steenhuisen, the Minister of Agriculture, and Alois Rainer, Germany’s Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, signed a joint declaration of intent on agricultural development on Tuesday evening.

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According to the Department of Agriculture, this is an important diplomatic milestone, as it is the first time in 13 years that a German Minister of Agriculture has visited South Africa. The visit marks a “new phase of cooperation between the two countries”, with a focus on biosecurity and international trade, says Steenhuisen.

The agreement comes as South Africa continues to struggle with an ongoing BKS outbreak.

Steenhuisen says South Africa “appreciates Germany’s involvement”.

“We are deeply grateful for the German government’s commitment to this partnership.”

He says it is significant that a German minister is visiting the country for the first time in more than a decade.

“Welcoming my German counterpart to South Africa for the first time in more than a decade shows the power of this agreement. It is not just a document; it is a tool that will help us protect our livestock industry and secure the livelihoods of our farmers.”

Five core areas have been identified for cooperation:

• Knowledge sharing: Exchange of best practices on the prevention of outbreaks and the control of BMS, with a focus on biosecurity in livestock farming and veterinary services.
• Wildlife monitoring: Development of monitoring systems for BKS, particularly in wildlife populations.
• Advanced immunization: Exploring new technologies for BKS vaccination, including the possible use of mRNA technology.
• Diagnostic research: Joint research on diagnostic instruments, especially so-called DIVA tests that can distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals.
• Risk management: Research on BKS risk materials in controlled slaughter environments.

According to Steenhuisen, the cooperation goes beyond the current crisis.

“This collaboration goes beyond immediate crisis management. It paves the way for a long-term exchange of expertise, trade development, skills development and the integration of pioneering technology and innovation in agriculture.”