The Government has advised livestock farmers and owners against an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Eastern Cape.
In an update on Monday, Government said cloven – hoofed animals should not be moved, unless absolutely necessary.
This is because limiting movement provides an opportunity to identify and quarantine affected areas, to prevent the spread of the disease.
“FMD is a controlled animal disease, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984, (Act No 36 of 1984) and it prescribes certain control measures, such as isolation and movement control, that is enforced by Veterinary Services.”
Clinical symptoms of the disease are salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions.
” Government commends all efforts of organized agriculture, animal health partners and all roleplayers in the value chain to curb the spread of the disease.”
Back in July, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development in the Eastern Cape, said there was an outbreak of the disease in Kouga and Koukamma areas, affecting cattle, in at least 26 farms.
The farms were then placed on quarantine.
In addition, about 84, 665 diary cattle, were vaccinated on 62 farms, as a preventative measure.
The Beef Master South Africa, said back in May, the Eastern Cape is the fourth province to have a highly contagious strain of FMD.
Roelie van Reenen, the farm’s supply chain executive, said at the time, “we as the industry, are the only defense against FMD. The virus dies not spread on its own, we as the industry spread it through negligence and our laissez-faire attitude.”