Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak
By Lerato Mpembe
The Department of Agriculture has announced the successful resolution of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in North West, Free State, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga following rigorous testing on quarantined farms. The World Organisation for Animal Health has officially declared these provinces free from FMD. However, FMD cases persist in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where stringent measures, including quarantines and restricted animal movement, remain in place. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen commended the collaborative efforts that safeguarded South Africa’s livestock industry during the outbreak.
Background and National Efforts to Combat FMD
The FMD outbreak that began in 2021 posed severe risks to South Africa’s agricultural sector, impacting livestock health and trade. While recent reports confirm that four provinces have effectively controlled the disease, challenges continue in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Humansdorp area, where 37 farms remain FMD-positive. An additional 38 farms were pre-emptively vaccinated, and approximately 130,000 animals have been immunised across the province to prevent further spread.
Ongoing Control Measures in Affected Areas
In July 2024, the Department of Agriculture declared a Disease Management Area (DMA) in parts of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities, enforcing strict biosecurity protocols. Movement within and outside the DMA is tightly regulated, requiring State Veterinary approval to prevent the disease from spreading. Quarantined farms must undergo inspections and testing to be declared FMD-free before any livestock movement is permitted.
Additionally, livestock movements across South Africa require a health declaration, ensuring animals are disease-free before relocation. The department has underscored the importance of limiting animal movements to prevent further outbreaks.
Government Appeals for Biosecurity Compliance
Agricultural authorities are working with law enforcement and Agri-Eastern Cape to monitor and prevent illegal animal movements, imposing fines and legal consequences for quarantine violations. Farmers are urged to enforce biosecurity measures such as isolating new livestock, maintaining secure farm boundaries, and ensuring farm personnel avoid contact with animals outside their properties.
Key biosecurity practices include using clean clothing and disinfecting vehicles and equipment entering farms. Suspicious symptoms in animals—such as salivation, mouth blisters, and lameness—must be immediately reported to State Veterinarians.
Impact on Farmers and the Local Economy
The FMD outbreak has disrupted livestock production, leading to restricted local meat sales and halting exports from FMD-affected farms. While meat from these farms remains safe for consumption, restrictions on export certification affect farmers’ incomes. The Department of Agriculture has facilitated controlled slaughter at designated abattoirs to manage meat processing safely.
With the festive season approaching, authorities are urging visitors in affected areas to respect biosecurity protocols, avoid restricted zones, and comply with movement restrictions. The department emphasizes the importance of these measures in safeguarding the livestock industry and preventing future outbreaks.
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