GEORGE NEWS - A suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was identified yesterday, Sunday 15 February, on a farm west of George.
This was confirmed by the farm owner, but George Herald will wait for official confirmation before releasing the name of the farm.
A sample was taken yesterday afternoon and is being sent to a laboratory today for confirmation. Should the result be positive, a quarantine zone with a 10km radius around the farm will be established.
Bossie Terblanche, chairperson of the Outeniqua Farmers’ Association, has urged farmers to apply very strict biosecurity measures at farm entrances and to avoid cross-contamination from other farms, as well as visits by sales representatives. He has asked farmers to inform their workers about FMD and to familiarise themselves with the early signs of the disease. “Work closely with your private veterinarians if you suspect any problems.”
The suspected case in the Outeniqualand district follows just days after an outbreak on a farm near Hartenbos was confirmed on Wednesday 11 February by Onderstepoort.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Economic Opportunities and Tourism said in a media statement on Sunday that it is embarking on a massive drive to vaccinate the entire provincial herd.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, “We will be receiving 200 000 vaccine doses over the coming weeks and will push to vaccinate all high-risk herds. The province will also request permission to procure its own vaccines.”
Winde has requested, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, that the national Department of Agriculture:
- Move all physical auctions online for 21 days, and
- Issue permit control regulations for livestock movement.
An update regarding this request is to be obtained from national Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen on Monday evening, 16 February.
According to the department, potential online auctions and permit control regulations, along with the vaccinations, form part of the 21-point response plan by the Western Cape Government and its partners in the agricultural sector.
The 21-point plan includes:
- Movement control, including 24/7 border monitoring.
- Monitoring, surveillance, and traceability, through on-the-ground rapid response from veterinary services.
- Protocols such as communication, by-law enforcement, and contingency plans.
- Recovery involving cleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas.
Major roadblocks and vehicle monitoring are taking place on various roads across 13 municipalities, including at the provincial borders.
Winde said, “This is part of a national crisis. We are working tirelessly to protect jobs and the agricultural economy. If you are transporting livestock or any materials used in the farming of livestock, you must take every precaution.”
450 cattle vaccinated in Fisantekraal
Winde, Steenhuisen, Western Cape Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer and provincial Local Government Minister Anton Bredell were present on Sunday 15 February at a vaccination drive in Fisantekraal, Cape Town, where 450 cattle were vaccinated against FMD.
No cases have been confirmed in the Fisantekraal herd, but the vaccination was carried out as a precautionary measure. The vaccinated animals have been tagged for optimal identification, surveillance, and monitoring.
Steenhuisen said the outbreak is a national emergency and they are fighting to save the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and the future of agricultural exports.
“We need every single livestock owner to stand with us. Biosecurity is not a suggestion - it is our only line of defense. If you move animals without permits or ignore basic hygiene, you are putting the entire country at risk. I am asking all South Africans - please stop the illegal movement of cattle, report illness immediately, and treat your farm boundaries like a fortress.”
Livestock farmers and the public are strongly urged to adhere to these simple rules:
- Stop all illegal movements: Never move cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs without a signed health certificate and valid permits.
- Limit visitors to your farm: Anyone entering must use disinfectant footbaths and vehicle sprays to ensure they are not carrying the virus on their shoes or tyres.
- If you buy new stock, keep them completely separate from your main herd for at least 28 days to ensure they are not carrying hidden diseases.
- If you see animals drooling, limping, or showing sores on their mouths or feet, call your local state veterinarian immediately. Do not wait!
- Ensure fences are in good repair to prevent your animals from mixing with roaming herds or wildlife.
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