With the Foot and Mouth Disease ban lifted, Agriculture MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer, has welcomed the national government’s decision to lift the ban on the movement of cattle in the country. The ban was instituted by the National Minister of Agriculture, Ms Thoko Didiza. It was put in place to prevent the further spread of FMD.
With the FMD ban lifted, cattle may now be moved in all the areas of the country, but this excludes the disease management areas. There is also a proviso that an owner’s declaration must accompany the animals. In the undertaking, the recipient of the animals confirms that these cloven hoof beasts will be kept separate for 28 days before being introduced to the rest of the herd.
READ:
MEC Meyer has urged the owners of livestock, to do their part to keep the province, FMD-free.
MAINTAINING A FMD-FREE STATUS
“I am thankful and encouraged by the cooperation we have received from the industry. The owner’s declaration and undertaking requirement now also applies to sheep and goats. Due to the risk of introducing FMD by moving animals into the Western Cape, we would like to monitor the movements of cattle, sheep, and goats into and out of the province,” said Meyer.
Meyer continues: “We must remain vigilant. The local State Veterinarian should be informed of any movement of cattle, sheep, and goats”.
PRODUCERS TO REMAIN VIGILANT
Meanwhile, the Acting Director for Animal Health at the provincial Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), Dr Vivien Malan, says they’ve invited all known owners of FMD susceptible animals to an online portal where movements can be reported. This is in a bid, to assist producers.
READ: Agri SA says foot-and-mouth disease ban too late
She added, “The State Veterinarian will then look at the notifications and assess the risk. The Vet may need to inspect the animals after arrival.”
MORE INFORMATION: Minister Didiza uplifts the countrywide ban on the movement of cattle
With Foot and Mouth Disease ban lifted, Malan has stressed that it’s a legal requirement in Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) that animal owners should prevent disease in their animals. They should also prevent it from spreading, should infection occur on their grounds.
DISEASE BAN LIFTED
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. These animals include cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The current outbreak in the country is maintained in cattle and buffalo, in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal. It can take up to 2 weeks from when the animal is infected until it shows clinical signs. During this period, animals appear normal and healthy. However, they can shed the virus, and the disease spreads with the animals if they are moved.
