By Karabo Marifi
3
Immediate Support and Decision-Making
The newly formed team is tasked with providing immediate support and making critical decisions within the first 48 hours of an FMD outbreak. Appointed under section 2(1) of the Animal Diseases Act, the team consists of seven government and industry experts. These include Dr. Mpho Maja, Dr. Shaun Morris, Dr. J Strydom, Dr. Patricia Froneman, Dr. Matlou Rabala, and Dr. Gerhard Neethling.
“They will ensure regular communication, assist with guidelines on how affected farmers handle milk, meat, or other produce from affected areas, and involve agricultural specialists to advise on the economic impact on the affected regions,” the department stated.
Disease Management Area Declaration
In an effort to control the spread of FMD, the Department of Agriculture declared a Disease Management Area last week, encompassing parts of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities in the Eastern Cape. This declaration follows an outbreak of FMD in these municipalities, where cattle on 26 farms have tested positive for the disease.
Control Measures and Vaccination
To mitigate the impact of the outbreak, cattle on the positive farms have been vaccinated to reduce their viral load and control the severity of clinical signs, particularly in dairy cattle. These farms have also been placed under strict quarantine with movement controls in place.
The department highlighted the critical nature of the FMD incubation period, during which animals may appear healthy but are shedding the virus without showing clinical signs. Farmers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity measures to protect their herds from infection.
Legal Responsibilities of Farmers
Under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, it is a legal obligation for 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 to other properties.
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