In a proactive move to shield the Western Cape’s livestock from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a provincial working group heralded the establishment of a disease control area across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
The group, led by Jaco van den Berg, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation in the Western Cape, convened its third meeting today. He says the disease control area, formalised in the Government Gazette last week, is poised to significantly impede the spread of FMD towards the province.
Highlighting their commitment, Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom and his manager for legal services, Louis Wessels, in collaboration with the Western Cape department of agriculture, recently spearheaded an awareness campaign at the critical border points of the Western and Eastern Cape.
“While we cannot afford complacency at this juncture, it is heartening to witness the resolute efforts being made to curb the spread of FMD. The declaration of a state of economic disaster by the Kouga municipality underscores the gravity of this disease’s threat to our province,” remarked Wessels.
The working group expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts and urged producers to remain vigilant, keeping abreast of developments through reliable channels.
As of now, the Eastern Cape is grappling with 29 FMD outbreaks, with 27 cases reported in Humansdorp and 2 near East London.
The newly gazetted disease control area aims to prevent the spread of FMD through the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, and products derived from these animals in certain areas.
No cloven-hoofed animals, animal products derived from cloven-hoofed animals, or genetic material of cloven-hoofed animals may be moved from, to, or within specified of the Eastern Cape except under the authority of a state veterinary permit.
The Western Cape working group consists of all stakeholders in the red meat industry, including the department of agriculture, provincial veterinary services, Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, Agri Western Cape, National Wool Growers’ Association, Milk Producers’ Organisation, Agricultural Products Agents Council, South African Association of Livestock Auctioneers, and the Abattoir Association.
Proactive measures to combat FMD spread
Earlier, Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, expressed his concern about the possible spread of FMD in letters to national agriculture minister John Steenhuisen and Nonceba Kontsiwe, MEC for rural development and agrarian reform in the Eastern Cape.
Meyer stated, “Given our proximity to the Eastern Cape and, in particular, Humansdorp, I welcome Steenhuisen’s decision. The increased biosecurity measures he is implementing bolster the work being done by our state veterinarians to prevent the further spread of FMD.”
Steenhuisen’s declaration means that portions of the Kou-kamma and Kouga municipalities, which are demarcated by the following boundaries, are declared to be part of the Eastern Cape disease management area:
- The western boundary is the Groot River.
- The northern boundary is the continuation of the Groot River, which turns east and joins the boundary of the Witelsbos State Forest. Then, along the southern and eastern border of the Witelsbos State Forest until the R402, and from there, along the R402 until the R62. Then, along the R62 until the N2. Then, along the N2 up until the R330. Then, along the R330 in a northerly direction up to where the R330 road crosses the Kabeljous River.
- The eastern boundary is the Kabeljous River.
- The southern boundary is the Indian Ocean.
- Including all farms that are transected by these boundaries.
The following documents must accompany all movements of live cattle, sheep, and goats in the provinces: owner declaration attesting to the origin and health status of the animals; a signed undertaking of the recipient at the destination, confirming that the animals will be isolated at the destination farm for at least 28 days before introducing them into the main herd.
Meyer urged all role-players to remain vigilant and continuously work to strengthen biosecurity measures on farms.
“We dare not become complacent. For this reason, Western Cape traffic officers, supported by state veterinary and provincial disaster management officials, will immediately check vehicles entering the Western Cape. During these checks, documentation and livestock inspections will take place.”
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