As families across the Eastern Cape prepare for Christmas Day and the festive season – a time traditionally marked by the slaughter of livestock for celebrations – the provincial department of agriculture has issued a firm warning to farmers and communities: do not move animals across the province, except for slaughter.
The instruction follows a new confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Amahlathi Local Municipality, raising renewed concern about the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease at one of the busiest periods for animal movement.
The department says this comes despite the successful containment of earlier outbreaks in the Kouga and Koukamma Local Municipalities. Investigations are now underway in Amahlathi to determine the extent of the latest case.
Adding to the developments, suspected FMD cases have been reported in several other areas, including Mbhashe (Dutywa), Matatiele, and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. According to the department, animals in these areas are showing lesions consistent with FMD, and samples are currently being collected for laboratory testing.
In an effort to prevent further spread, all farms where infections are confirmed or suspected have been placed under quarantine.
“The movement of animals is one of the biggest risks for spreading Foot and Mouth Disease, especially during the festive season when slaughtering increases,” the department said in a statement.
As a precautionary measure, communities and farmers have been instructed not to transport or move animals anywhere in the province for the next 30 days. The only exception applies to animals being taken directly for slaughter.
State veterinary services practitioners have been placed on standby across the province, and farmers are urged to remain vigilant during this critical period.
The department is calling on farmers and community members to immediately report animals showing symptoms associated with FMD. These include excessive salivation, sores, or blisters in the mouth, as well as lesions on the feet that may cause lameness.
“To protect our livestock and prevent further spread of the disease, farmers are urged not to move animals for the next 30 days, except for slaughter,” the department said. “Our state veterinary services practitioners are on standby, and communities are encouraged to report any suspected cases without delay.”
With Christmas and New Year gatherings set to continue over the coming days, authorities are appealing for cooperation to safeguard the province’s livestock industry and prevent a wider outbreak that could have serious economic consequences well into the new year.
Reports and photographs of suspected cases can be sent directly to the state veterinarian, Dr Cebisa Mqeta, on 082 258 5647.
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