Overview: A troubling trend on South Africa’s beef farms
South Africa’s beef industry is confronting a troubling health issue as veterinarians report an uptick in the sudden deaths of suckling calves on several farms. Local veterinarians describe the condition as “tiger heart” syndrome, a concerning outcome often linked to infection with the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. While the term may evoke vivid imagery, it underscores a real threat to young calves whose lives are abruptly cut short, impacting farm economics and animal welfare alike.
What is tiger heart syndrome?
Tiger heart syndrome refers to a rapid, often lethal, cardiac deterioration observed in some calves affected by FMD. While FMD is primarily known for blistering in cloven-hoofed animals, it can also precipitate severe systemic complications in neonates. In herd settings, infected calves may deteriorate quickly—showing signs such as fever, lethargy, rapid breathing, and collapse—before veterinarians can intervene. Experts emphasize that this is a multi-faceted issue where viral infection, neonatal vulnerability, and herd health dynamics intersect.
The link to foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease remains a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly through cattle, sheep, and other cloven-hoofed species. In young calves, FMD can overwhelm the developing immune system and cardiovascular stability, contributing to sudden cardiac events described by farmers as tiger heart syndrome. Agricultural health authorities stress that controlling FMD requires robust vaccination programs, strict movement controls, and vigilant biosecurity on farms—measures designed to curb introductions and limit transmission within herds.
Recognizing the signs and diagnosing the cause
Farmers should monitor newborn calves for early warning signs: irritation around the mouth, fever, reduced suckling, and lethargy. In some cases, calves collapse with little warning due to heart-related complications. Diagnostic steps typically include clinical examination, collection of swabs or blood samples for FMD testing, and post-mmortem analysis when deaths occur. Early veterinary involvement is crucial, as prompt diagnosis informs treatment decisions and outbreak containment measures for the broader herd.
Implications for farmers and the industry
Calf mortality due to tiger heart syndrome has immediate financial repercussions for beef producers, from lost calf revenue to increased veterinary costs and potential disruptions to supply chains. For smallholders and large operations alike, persistent health threats can influence breeding choices, animal welfare practices, and investment in biosecurity infrastructure. The broader industry benefits from rapid information sharing, coordinated vaccination campaigns, and transparent reporting of disease activity to prevent wider spread.
Prevention: Vaccination, biosecurity, and herd resilience
Preventing tiger heart syndrome hinges on a multi-layered strategy against FMD. Key components include:
- Comprehensive vaccination programs tailored to regional risk profiles and current outbreaks.
- Strict farm-level biosecurity: controlled access, disinfection, clean clothing and footwear protocols, and vehicle management.
- Quarantine and careful movement of animals between properties to minimize cross-farm transmission.
- Regular health monitoring, rapid reporting of suspicious signs, and timely veterinary intervention.
- Genetic and nutritional considerations to strengthen calves’ resilience against infections.
What farmers should do now
Farmers facing sudden calf losses should engage their veterinarians promptly to rule out other infectious etiologies and confirm FMD-related complications. Keeping accurate records of calf births, mortality, vaccination status, and movement histories enhances outbreak investigations and supports effective containment. Community-level cooperation—sharing data with veterinary authorities and neighboring farms—helps build a more robust defensive web against tiger heart syndrome and FMD.
Outlook for the industry
While tiger heart syndrome presents a serious challenge, a proactive stance combining vaccination, biosecurity, and producer education can reduce calf losses and stabilize beef production. As South Africa works to safeguard its livestock sectors, continued investment in veterinary services, surveillance, and farmer support will be essential to reducing the impact of FMD and its cardiac complications on neonatal calves.
