Following months of concerns regarding the deadly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the department of agriculture announced that four provinces have been cleared of FMD.
According to a statement from the department, North West, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga do not have any cases of FMD which occurred during 2021-2022.
“These provinces, which were initially impacted by the outbreak, have now completed comprehensive testing of animals on quarantined farms. The results indicate that the FMD virus is no longer present,” the statement read.
KZN, EC still affected
The department said KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape remain affected by FMD outbreaks. While no new signs of the disease have been reported in these two provinces over the past month, the department called for farmers and community members to be cautious.
“Status update on foot-and-mouth disease in the Eastern Cape in the Humansdorp area, 37 farms have now been confirmed positive for FMD, while a further 38 farms were pre-emptively vaccinated to prevent further spreading of the disease.
“Since the onset of the outbreak, approximately 130,000 animals have been vaccinated across the province. Farms that are either infected or vaccinated remain under quarantine, with animal movements restricted. Movement from these farms is only permitted for direct slaughter,” the department said.
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The department said farm owners are required to enforce strict biosecurity measures to prevent the disease from spreading through animals, vehicles, equipment, or people.
“The department is actively collaborating with law enforcement and Agri Eastern Cape to investigate reports of illegal animal movements. Those found in breach of quarantine or DMA restrictions will face legal consequences. The public is urged to report any information regarding illegal movements or breaches of biosecurity.”
Safe slaughtering practices
“In East London, the FMD outbreak has been successfully contained. The department extends its gratitude to the affected farmers in the area for their vigilance and cooperation. Animals on these farms are being slaughtered in a controlled manner at designated abattoirs, ensuring that FMD risk materials are properly processed or disposed of,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the director of animal health has designated three abattoirs to handle the slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals from FMD-quarantined farms.
“Seventeen farms have been granted permission for controlled slaughter at these abattoirs. Stakeholders are advised that the Onderstepoort laboratory will be closed from 16 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.
“During this period, only samples submitted on suspicion of infection will be analysed. Routine samples for movements, exports, and surveillance should be submitted in January 2025.”
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