Durban: Government has called for immediate action plans to ensure inroads are made to effectively curb the continued spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal. During a recent visit to affected areas in the province, Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, engaged with farmers and community leaders who sought clarification on the current situation and voiced their frustration at the perceived inaction by the Department of Agriculture.
According to South African Government News Agency, KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 147 active FMD outbreaks. Despite several containment efforts by the Department of Agriculture since the initial outbreak of the SAT2 FMD strain in 2021, recent infections have been reported outside the established Disease Management Areas (DMA). To curb further spread of the virus, the Minister recently ordered the expansion of the DMA boundaries.
The reports from KwaZulu-Natal regarding the persistent and expanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks are of significant concern. The slow progress in strengthening national biosecurity and acquiring vital vaccines presents risks that the government views seriously. The Minister has directed the department to identify and lift every impediment to timely vaccine delivery.
Steenhuisen has instructed the department to urgently implement several interventions. These include contacting the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to assist with roadblocks and animal movement management, prioritising alternative sites for livestock sales, identifying abattoirs within the DMA, procuring enough vaccines for a comprehensive roll-out, exploring mechanisms to declare a state of disaster in the province, and monitoring the implementation of the permit system for animal movement control.
The Minister stressed the imperative for immediate and significant enhancements to national biosecurity. He highlighted that current control measures, while necessary, are insufficient to contain the outbreaks effectively. The legislative requirement under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984, for owners to stop the spread of disease must be supported by effective government leadership and enforcement, including intensified surveillance, firm enforcement, and providing farmers with the support and know-how needed for effective biosecurity.
The department also provided an update on progress in the containment of FMD in the Eastern Cape. No new clinical cases have been reported since July 2024. However, the lifting of DMA restrictions has been delayed due to recent suspect test results on two properties. One test returned negative, while results from the second are pending.
Control measures implemented in October 2022 remain in effect. The movement of cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa requires a health declaration from the owner. Newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be isolated for at least 28 days. Farmers are advised to limit animal movements and exercise caution when procuring animals. The Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on owners or managers of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected and to prevent the spread of disease. FMD is a controlled animal disease under this act, and any suspicious symptoms must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately.