South Africa continues to manage outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wildlife species. While FMD does not pose a direct food-safety risk to humans, its impact on animal health, livelihoods, food supply chains, and the agricultural economy is severe.
At Brightpack, our core focus is cosmetic and pharmaceutical raw materials. However, during widespread animal-health challenges such as FMD, we believe it is important to share accurate, science-based information, especially where raw materials we supply, such as citric acid (anhydrous), are recognised by veterinary authorities for use in biosecurity and disinfection.
Important note: This article is for education and awareness only. It does not replace guidance from your Provincial Veterinarian or private veterinarian. Suspected FMD cases must be reported immediately, and all official movement and quarantine regulations must be followed.
What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease?
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is caused by the FMD virus, which spreads rapidly between susceptible animals through:
– Direct animal contact
– Contaminated vehicles, equipment, footwear and clothing
– Feed, water and organic material such as manure or mud
– Animal movement through auctions, shared grazing and transport routes
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the virus can survive for extended periods in cool, moist environments, making environmental contamination a major driver of outbreaks.
Clinical signs may include:
- Blisters and sores in the mouth and on the feet
- Excessive salivation
- Lameness
- Fever and loss of appetite
Because of its extreme contagiousness, even a single case can result in large-scale movement restrictions and economic losses.
Why Disinfection Is Critical in FMD Control
Veterinary control of FMD relies on several pillars:
- Rapid reporting and diagnosis
- Controlled animal movement
- Vaccination programmes where applicable
- Strict biosecurity and disinfection
Scientific and veterinary literature consistently shows that the FMD virus is highly sensitive to extremes of pH, meaning it is rapidly inactivated in acidic (below pH 6) or strongly alkaline environments.
This characteristic underpins the use of acid-based disinfectants, including citric acid, in farm and transport biosecurity.
The Role of Citric Acid in FMD Biosecurity
Citric acid is not a treatment for infected animals. Its role is strictly environmental disinfection, helping to reduce viral load on surfaces that can spread the disease.
International veterinary recognition
The World Organisation for Animal Health lists citric acid (0.2%) as an effective disinfectant capable of inactivating the FMD virus under appropriate conditions.
Similarly, the Merck Veterinary Manual, a widely used global veterinary reference, confirms that organic acids such as citric acid are effective against FMD virus when applied correctly.
Scientific evidence
Peer-reviewed laboratory studies published in international veterinary journals and biomedical databases demonstrate that citric acid solutions significantly reduce FMD virus infectivity, even at relatively low concentrations, provided adequate contact time is achieved.
South African veterinary guidance
Local, field-based guidance issued by Western Cape Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services (Link to document) recommends higher citric acid concentrations (3%) for practical farm use. This accounts for real-world conditions such as organic matter, porous surfaces, and variable temperatures, factors that reduce disinfectant effectiveness.
Recommended Citric Acid Concentrations (Anhydrous)
1. Practical farm disinfection (South African veterinary guidance): 3% citric acid solution
This is the concentration most commonly referenced in South African veterinary fact sheets for FMD biosecurity.
How to mix:
- 30 g citric acid per 1 litre of water
- 300 g per 10 litres
- 1.5 kg per 50 litres
Contact time:
- Porous surfaces: 30 minutes
- Non-porous surfaces: 15 minutes
Surfaces must be cleaned of dirt and manure before application, as organic matter greatly reduces effectiveness. (Read more on Steps to Destroy the FMD Virus)
2. Controlled or laboratory reference concentration: 0.2% citric acid solution
This concentration is cited in international veterinary literature and WOAH documentation. It may be appropriate in highly controlled environments but should only be used where approved by local veterinary authorities.
Where and How Citric Acid Is Used
Citric acid solutions may be used as part of a broader biosecurity plan for:
- Footbaths and boot dips at farm entry and exit points
- Vehicle wheels, loading ramps, and transport equipment
- Crates, tools, gates, and non-porous surfaces
Key principles for effectiveness:
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Always clean surfaces first
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Apply enough solution to keep the surface wet
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Maintain the full contact time
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Replace solutions when they become visibly dirty
Safety and Handling Considerations
Although citric acid is widely used across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, 3% solutions are acidic and must be handled responsibly:
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Avoid inhaling dust during mixing
- Clearly label prepared solutions
- Do not mix with chlorine-based disinfectants
- Rinse sensitive metal surfaces after disinfection if needed
What Citric Acid Does Not Do
- It does not cure FMD
- It does not replace vaccination or veterinary intervention
- It does not eliminate the need for movement control and quarantine
Disinfection is one layer of disease control, but a crucial one.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
Any suspicion of Foot-and-Mouth Disease must be reported immediately to a State Veterinarian or private vet. Early reporting protects not only individual farms, but the broader agricultural community.
Brightpack’s Commitment
While Brightpack is best known for supporting cosmetic and personal-care manufacturing, we also recognise our responsibility to share accurate, evidence-based information when raw materials we supply have wider applications in public and agricultural biosecurity.
By raising awareness and promoting correct, responsible use, we hope to support farmers, businesses, and communities during this challenging period.