The Ministry of Agriculture is urging livestock farmers across South Africa to limit animal movement due to the continued presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The virus has been confirmed in cattle in the province, and authorities are taking significant steps to control its spread.
Test Results Confirm Virus Presence in Mtubatuba Cattle
Recently, test results revealed that cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, have tested positive for FMD.
The cattle, which showed clinical signs of the disease as early as December, led to sample collection.
Lab results have confirmed that the region is facing an outbreak caused by the SAT1 strain of the virus.
Further Investigations Reveal Similar Strain in the Kruger National Park
While a SAT2 FMD event has been ongoing in KwaZulu-Natal since 2021, recent investigations found that the SAT1 strain detected in Mtubatuba closely matches one recently identified in the northern part of the Kruger National Park.
In addition, within the last two weeks, clinical signs of FMD have been observed in the Vryheid and Newcastle areas, where laboratory tests confirmed the virus’s presence.
The authorities are still working to determine whether these outbreaks were caused by the SAT1 or SAT2 strain.
Control Measures and Vaccination Efforts Continue
Despite these outbreaks, control measures in the Disease Management Area (DMA) remain in place, and affected dip tanks are still under quarantine.
Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with a vaccine covering all three FMD SAT strains being used to combat the disease.
In newly affected areas, dip tanks have also been quarantined.
Biosecurity and Prevention: A Call for Strict Compliance
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of adhering to biosecurity protocols, urging farmers and livestock owners to report any suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities.
The Ministry reminded livestock owners that control measures, which have been in effect since October 2022, must continue to be strictly followed.
Key Measures to Prevent Disease Spread
The Ministry outlined several measures that all livestock owners and farmers across South Africa must follow to limit the spread of FMD:
- Health Declaration: Cloven-hoofed livestock can only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner, confirming the animals’ health at the time of movement.
- Quarantine for New Arrivals: Any newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be kept separate from resident herds for at least 28 days.
- Limited Animal Movement: Livestock movement should be minimized, and caution is advised when purchasing cloven-hoofed animals, especially from areas with active FMD outbreaks like KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Legal Responsibility for Animal Owners
Under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, all animal owners or managers are legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected and to stop the spread of disease from their property to others.
Considerations for the Future of Livestock Farming
These ongoing outbreaks raise concerns about the future of livestock farming in affected areas.
With strict measures in place and the virus continuing to spread, will consumers and farmers rethink their relationship with animal products? The conversation around food safety and the ethics of animal agriculture continues to evolve in light of these challenges.