Department of Agriculture warns about potential FMD outbreak in North West

06 November 2023

By: Lebogang Mashala

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has issued a warning about a possible outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle in Ramatlabama, on the Botswana border in North West.

In a statement on Friday, 3 November, the department said there is only a suspicion of an outbreak, based on positive serology results. Epidemiological investigations are underway to confirm the presence or absence of virus circulation.

According to Reggie Ngcobo, the department’s spokesperson, the farm in question is in the village of Ramatlabana in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. Ngcobo said samples were collected as part of routine surveillance and no clinical symptoms were observed at the time of sampling. 

“The farm has been placed under quarantine and follow-up investigations, including sample collection, are under way at the farm in question, as well as surrounding farms and villages. There have been no recent movements of animals from the affected farm to other properties,” said Ngcobo.

Farmers in North West are advised to observe biosecurity measures, including not allowing new animals into their herds and minimising the movement of animals to other farms. 

The department has also requested that strict biosecurity measures are exercised through biosecurity officers at all places where animals gather for sales. If farmers suspect a case of FMD in susceptible animals, they must immediately report it to the local state veterinarian.

FMD affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals (domestic and wild). The major clinical features of the disease include fever, lameness and the appearance of vesicles and sores in the mouth, feet, teats and mammary glands. Pain and discomfort from these vesicles and sores can lead to other signs of disease, such as depression, excessive salivation, lameness and reluctance to eat, move or stand.

FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that has significant economic impact. However, it does not affect humans.