The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to monitor the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in South Africa and is reviewing options that could allow the safe importation of meat and dairy products while maintaining the island’s high biosecurity standards.
Current restrictions remain in place
In March 2026, SHG introduced legislation restricting the import of meat and dairy products from South Africa unless those products had been processed in a manner proven to inactivate the FMD virus. The legislation prohibits the importation of meat, meat products, milk and dairy products derived from cloven-hoofed animals (including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) originating from, produced in, or repacked in South Africa. The prohibition includes all dairy products, except those processed using ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment at not less than 135°C, and dairy products made using milk powder and/or whey powder. This prohibition remains in place.
The restrictions were introduced in response to increasing outbreaks of FMD in South Africa and the associated risk of introducing the disease to St Helena through imported products.
The risk to St Helena
If FMD were introduced to St Helena, the consequences for the livestock sector could be severe. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease and local livestock management practices, the virus could spread through animal movement as well as through human and vehicle activity. An outbreak would have wide-ranging impacts, including animal welfare concerns, significant stress for livestock owners, disruption to everyday life and community activities, the possible culling of infected and at-risk animals, disruption to local agricultural markets, and wider economic impacts, including potential effects on tourism if countryside access restrictions were required.
Recent reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) indicate that, while the number of active outbreaks in South Africa has declined slightly since peaking in June 2026, the disease remains widespread across all nine provinces. South African authorities are taking control measures to reduce prevalence, but bringing the disease under control will most likely take many years. The overall risk of FMD entering St Helena through imported meat and dairy products therefore remains a significant concern.
Exploring an import licensing framework
St Helena currently has no dedicated licensing system for the importation of meat and dairy products that could be used to manage and verify biosecurity requirements before products enter the island. Any future relaxation of current restrictions would therefore need to be supported by robust import controls and certification procedures.
SHG is exploring the development of an import licensing framework based on international standards established by the WOAH. Under such a system, imported products would need to be accompanied by official veterinary certification demonstrating that strict animal health and processing requirements have been met. This approach would help ensure that any imported meat or dairy products originate from approved facilities and comply with internationally recognised disease-control measures. Similar arrangements could also be applied to imports from other countries where animal disease risks exist, creating a more comprehensive and resilient biosecurity system for St Helena.
Next steps
SHG recognises that local retailers, businesses and consumers have expressed an interest in resuming imports from South Africa to improve product availability, choice and affordability. However, protecting the Island from serious animal diseases remains the Government’s foremost priority, given the potentially significant consequences of an outbreak for local agriculture, livestock owners and food security.
Work is now underway to engage with South African veterinary authorities to determine the practicality of implementing export certification arrangements and to identify approved export facilities capable of meeting the required standards. SHG will also assess the administrative and inspection resources needed to operate an effective import licensing system.
The public are reminded that no changes to current import restrictions have been agreed at this stage. Any future amendments will be subject to careful risk assessment and the implementation of appropriate biosecurity safeguards. SHG will continue to keep the community informed as this work progresses.
Notes to Editors
- Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
- The disease does not generally pose a public health risk through the consumption of properly handled meat products, but it can have severe economic and agricultural impacts if introduced into previously disease-free areas.
- St Helena’s current import controls are intended to minimise the risk of introducing FMD and other serious livestock diseases to the island.
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