
diseaseSouth Africa
FMD reshapes South Africa’s red meat sectorFoot-and-mouth disease outbreaks across South Africa have cost the country its FMD-free-without-vaccination status, disrupted movement and export access, and contributed to higher beef, lamb and mutton prices. Beef exports fell 26.1% year on year in 2024, while China suspended imports following outbreaks; the government has declared a national disaster and is expanding vaccine procurement and local production.

diseaseTexas, United States
Valley livestock buyers grow cautious amid screwworm concernsLivestock buyers in the Rio Grande Valley are becoming more cautious about purchasing cattle amid concerns over New World screwworm, although no active cases are currently reported in the area. Starr County remains under quarantine, and a nearly $800 million sterile-fly production facility is under construction in Edinburg, with completion expected late next year.

diseaseUS-Mexico border
Mexican cattle still not allowed to be imported into TexasThe United States has resumed Mexican cattle imports through ports in Arizona and New Mexico, but Texas ports remain closed to those shipments. Ranchers in Tamaulipas say the long detour reduces access to U.S. buyers, while plans for a crossing near Los Indios remain subject to Mexican and U.S. approvals.

diseaseEurope
Bird flu is spreading across Europe againH5N1 was confirmed at two poultry farms in England on November 7, and Germany raised its risk assessment for wild birds and poultry flocks from moderate to high. Denmark ordered captive birds to be housed from November 9, while Polish veterinarians urged poultry keepers to register their flocks.