Agriculture, land reform and rural development minister Thoko Didiza has just announced the lifting of the countrywide cattle movement ban. Only KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Limpopo remain selectively restricted.
In a statement sent out moments ago, the minister says she has made the decision thanks to the work done by the state veterinary services, private vets and animal health technicians over the past 21 days, along with the cooperation of traditional leaders, local communities and the police.
In her update, she says the three Cape provinces remained free of FMD in the past 21 days and in Mpumalanga, no new cases have been reported. Only suspected cases have been reported around quarantined farms in Gauteng and North West.
“In Limpopo we will retain the disease management area in and around the protected zone. In the Free State our disease management area will cover those areas where no improvement has been observed, such as Marquad, Viljoenskroon and Harrismith. In KwaZulu-Natal the disease management area will be retained in KwaNongoma, Ulundi, KwaHlabisa, eHluhluwe and eMtubatuba.”
Except for these new disease management areas, movement can now resume conditinally.
“All movements must be accompanied by an owner declaration, a recipient undertaking to isolate the animals for at least 28 days before introducing them into the main herd, and stock theft documents (Section 6 and Section 8 documents).
Agricultural leaders in the provinces that are not affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have told Food For Mzansi earlier this week that they would welcome news of a selective ban but agree that farmers need to remain vigilant in protecting FMD-free parts of the country from further spread.
FMD-free provinces in agreement
Zandisile Luphahla, spokesperson for the Northern Cape department of agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform, says it will be in the province’s best interest to be open for trade once more but officials in the province are very cautious and don’t want to get farmers too excited.
“We are calling on our farmers to … ensure that we do not find ourselves in a situation where … [a selective] ban is being extended to us.”
Western Cape state veterinarian Dr Vivien Malan agrees that a selective movement ban is the best approach but also adds a stern warning to the province’s farmers.
“To prevent the entry of FMD into the Western Cape … farmers should not allow unnecessary visitors onto their farms or allow their animals to have contact with animals belonging to other owners.
“Disinfect hands, shoes, clothing, vehicles and equipment on entry to the farm and between groups of animals being kept separate,” she says.
Eastern Cape rural development and agrarian reform spokesperson Masiza Mazizi says the end of a total ban would bring relief to the farming community and “confirm the prioritisation by the government of finding balanced disease control measures that are strategically implemented”.
Scientist advises caution
Meanwhile, animal scientist Prof. Kenny Mnisi from the North-West University urges extra caution from farmers. He says livestock that have been exposed to FMD – even if they haven’t tested positive – need to be isolated.
He also asks for awareness amongst rural farmers about what FMD is and the dangers it poses to their livestock and livelihoods.
“Farmers should look out for symptoms such as fever, appetite loss, irritability, skin rash, and lethargy. Nonetheless, strict hygiene practices can prevent the occurrence and spread of this disease.”
New strategy needed
Red Meat Producers Organisation spokesperson Corine Steyn says the organisation supports the FMD task team that is advising the minister and would support any government decision in the interest of the industry.
“Interventions like the current lockdown has a major impact on the red meat value chain but it must also be known that it bears fruit – for instance, China [has again opened up] the exports of wool, hides and skins.”
She adds, however, that government must assess and reconsider its handling of FMD to date.
“It is now clear that government has capacity problems, and this is indicated because since the November 2019 outbreak the situation escalated. We need a new strategy to curb the outbreak, and this is what the technical team that advises the minister will be involved in.
“We are of the opinion that part of this strategy should be selective vaccination. It is also vital that South Africa will have to develop its own vaccines and free-market enterprise should play an active role.”
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