# Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks at major cattle feedlots, including Karan Beef near Heidelberg in Gauteng have sparked panic buying and pushed red meat prices up nationwide. Retailers report a 20-percent year-on-year surge, with beef steak up 4.5-percent and mince up 1.7-percent in May. According to News24, exports to China and the European Union have been halted, and strict movement restrictions are tightening supply. Authorities urge calm as efforts continue to contain the outbreak and stabilise South Africa’s meat supply chain.
Foot-and-mouth outbreak sparks panic buying, meat prices surge