A locally developed point-of-care diagnostic test for foot and mouth disease (FMD) is expected to strengthen business continuity in South Africa’s livestock sector by enabling faster disease detection and reducing the economic disruptions associated with outbreaks.
The innovation, funded by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), enables early detection of FMD within an hour, compared to conventional laboratory testing that can take one to two weeks.
Faster diagnosis allows farmers and livestock traders to isolate infected animals sooner, limiting the spread of the disease and avoiding extended movement restrictions that often result in financial losses.
Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and licensed to biotech start-up TokaBio (Pty) Ltd, the technology is a Fourth Industrial Revolution-enabled device that delivers results directly to a mobile device.
This makes the solution accessible to farmers operating in rural and remote areas, where access to laboratories can be limited.
The device is also integrated with government regulators’ livestock disease surveillance systems, providing real-time disease data that supports quicker regulatory responses and strengthens national biosecurity efforts.
For livestock traders, delays in disease confirmation can bring business operations to a halt.
Mpumalanga-based cattle trader Amos Mahapa, who transports and supplies cattle to buyers in areas including Bela-Bela in Limpopo, says suspected outbreaks have an immediate financial impact on farming businesses.
“Once foot and mouth disease is suspected, animal movement is restricted and trading stops, which means no income coming in,” Mahapa told Vutivi Business News. “For farmers and traders, time is money. A test that gives results within an hour helps us decide quickly whether we can continue selling or must isolate animals, instead of losing weeks of business.”
The importance of faster and more accurate disease detection is also highlighted by a University of Pretoria (UP)-led research initiative aimed at reducing the financial losses caused by Foot and Mouth Disease across the red meat value chain.
A study by the University of Pretoria’s Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, led by Professor Armanda Bastos, is investigating the economic impact of FMD virus persistence in slaughtered cattle and its contribution to wastage and lost value in the industry.
“The research showcases the rapid strides that can be made when different sectors pool expertise and resources to address the wide-reaching regulatory impacts of FMD,” Bastos said. “It will set a new benchmark for evidence-led, rapid response to the SAT-type virus outbreaks.”
Bastos noted that blanket restrictions on meat from FMD-recovered cattle often result in unnecessary disposal of meat, offal and by-products, placing financial pressure on farmers, feedlots and abattoirs. The study aims to generate evidence that supports more targeted, risk-based decision-making that protects biosecurity while minimising economic losses.
Mahapa said prolonged waiting periods for laboratory results further increase operating costs and affect buyer relationships.
“While waiting for results, you are still feeding animals, paying for labour and transport, and sometimes losing buyers who cannot wait,” he said. “A quicker test reduces those costs, protects cash flow and helps small farming businesses remain sustainable.”
Veterinary professionals say rapid diagnostics could significantly improve outbreak management across the sector.
A private veterinarian who works closely with livestock farmers said delayed confirmation is one of the biggest challenges in controlling FMD.
“Time is critical with foot and mouth disease,” the veterinarian said. “Quick confirmation allows farmers to isolate animals immediately, reduce further exposure and comply with regulations without unnecessary shutdowns, which ultimately reduces financial losses.”
Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases, frequently triggering movement controls and trade restrictions that affect both commercial and emerging farmers. Faster on-site testing is expected to reduce uncertainty while protecting market access and buyer confidence.
Beyond South Africa, the point-of-care technology has been tested in Rwanda, Lesotho and Zambia, highlighting its potential for regional use and commercial expansion.
basetsana@vutivibusiness.co.za
