The ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak remains a significant threat to livestock farming in certain parts of the country. The agriculture department is calling on farmers to be vigilant, as the continued spread of the disease has the potential to harm the economy of rural communities.
The department said KwaZulu-Natal has experienced 165 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD); 18 of these have been closed, with 147 still active.
“An enlarged disease management area (DMA) was declared on, where signs of continued virus activity persist. Livestock owners are urged
to maintain strict biosecurity and adhere to movement protocols to curb disease spread. Full compliance could result in a noticeable reduction of viral load after 28 days,” the department stated.
Ongoing FMD testing and surveillance
“A new outbreak in Bergville, outside the newly declared DMA, has been confirmed. Traceback suggests the infection originated from within the extended DMA boundaries before the declaration was made.
“Two additional suspect cases outside the DMA are under investigation, and all these locations have been quarantined. Surveillance and vaccination
efforts are being intensified within affected zones and a 10km radius around infected locations,” the department said.
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The department said the Eastern Cape has reported 40 outbreaks, with 1 closed and 39 still open.
“Ongoing testing on selected properties aims to finalise surveillance efforts within the DMA, with the hope that the results will support the lifting of DMA restrictions in the near future.
“In light of the encouraging results from ongoing surveillance, the department is now able to introduce targeted relief measures for farmers within the DMA whose herds have consistently tested negative and have not received FMD vaccinations,” the department further explained.
Relief for some farmers
These farms will now be permitted to process milk for local consumption through single pasteurisation instead of the previously mandated double pasteurisation.
“Farmers are strongly advised to limit animal movements and exercise caution when procuring animals. Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.
“Essential biosecurity measures include limiting and/or postponing the introduction of new animals if possible and, if necessary, only introducing animals from known clean farms with a health declaration,” the department said.
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