“The recent outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa are more than just a public health crisis; they are a stark reminder of the fragile balance between animal welfare, human livelihoods, and environmental health. While FMD devastates livestock populations and cripples local economies, its rapid spread is often exacerbated by the very systems designed to meet growing demands for animal products: industrial animal agriculture. These high-density, often unhygienic environments become breeding grounds for disease, turning localised infections into national emergencies. CAAWO believes that true food security and public health demand a re-evaluation of our agricultural practices, advocating for systems that prioritise the welfare of animals and the sustainability of our communities.”
Tozie Zokufa, Executive Director of CAAWO, emphasises, ‘The FMD crisis underscores a critical truth: when we compromise the welfare of animals, we ultimately compromise human health and economic stability. It’s time for a paradigm shift in South African agriculture—one that embraces compassionate, preventative measures and rejects the unsustainable practices that leave both animals and people vulnerable.’
