Foot-and-mouth disease: New restrictions on animal movement

The following has just been announced in the Government Gazette: No cloven-hoofed animals, derived animal products or genetic material of these animals may be moved from, to, or within the disease control areas of the Eastern Cape, except under the authority of a state veterinary permit as stipulated in the regulations of the Animal Diseases Act (Act No. 35 of 1984).

John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, announced the provision. “The purpose of these control measures is to prevent the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease virus through the movement of cattle, sheep and goats, as well as products derived from these animals in certain areas.”

Furthermore, the movement of live cattle, sheep and goats in the disease control areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo is restricted, except with the necessary permit obtained from a state veterinarian.

This applies to the entire country

Besides the provisions applicable to the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal, animals transported elsewhere in the country must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. An owner’s declaration confirming the origin and health status of the animals, in accordance with any conditions or prescriptions for such declarations that may be determined by the director-general;
2. A signed undertaking from the recipient at the destination, in accordance with any conditions or prescriptions for such undertakings that may be determined by the director-general, confirming that the animals will be isolated on the destination farm for at least 28 days before being introduced to the main herd.

Eastern Cape disease control area

Parts of the Koukamma and Kouga municipalities defined by the following boundaries are declared as part of the Eastern Cape’s disease control area:

• The western boundary is the Groot River;
• The northern boundary continues from the Groot River where it turns east to where it joins the Witelsbos boundary. Then along the southern and eastern boundary of Witelsbos to the R402, from there along the R402 to the R62. Thereafter along the R62 down to the N2. Then along the N2 down to the R330 and then along the R330 in a northerly direction to where the R330 crosses the Kabeljous River;
• The eastern boundary is the Kabeljous River;
• The southern boundary is the Indian Ocean;
• Including the entirety of all farms cut by these boundaries.

KwaZulu-Natal disease control area

The following are declared as part of KwaZulu-Natal’s disease control area:

• The entirety of Big Five Hlabisa Municipality;
• The entirety of Mtubatuba Municipality;
• The entirety of Nongoma Municipality;
• The entirety of Ulundi Municipality;
• The entirety of Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.

Limpopo disease control area

The following are declared as part of Limpopo’s disease control area:

• The northern boundary is the international border between the Nwanedi River and the Kruger National Park fence, while the eastern boundary is the Kruger National Park fence;
• The part of Musina Municipality east of the Nwanedi River;
• The entirety of Thulamela Municipality;
• The entirety of Collins Chabane Municipality;
• The parts of Greater Giyani Municipality and Greater Letaba Municipality, east of the D3206 and north of the Mooketsi/Giyani road (R81) to where the R81 crosses the Klein Letaba River, and from there north of the Klein Letaba River to the Kruger National Park fence.

Steenhuisen will address Agri Eastern Cape’s congress next week about the foot-and-mouth situation, after which meetings will be held with affected farmers regarding the economic crisis they are facing.

85 000 animals already vaccinated

According to a letter sent to stakeholders on Thursday by Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), 85 000 animals have already been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease in the Eastern Cape.

“The mass vaccination campaign launched this week aimed to proactively vaccinate farms where animals tested negative within a radius of 10 km from farms where animals tested positive.

“As of our last update, no new cases have been reported since Friday, 19 July, 2024. The MPO extends heartfelt thanks to the following companies for their invaluable support during this week:

• Die Kooperasie in Humansdorp for sponsoring disposable overalls for all technicians, as well as their ongoing help with farm mapping;
• OVK for providing water boots for technicians and a footbath for the office;
• Woodlands for generously supplying dairy drinks to our team;
• Seashells Guesthouse for sponsoring accommodation for additional technicians.”

Ferreira said efforts are underway to cordon off the Redline Abattoir in the “red zone” as a critical step towards its registration as an approved foot-and-mouth disease abattoir.

“We expect the facility to be operational within the next two weeks. Additionally, we have received news that a previously registered foot-and-mouth disease abattoir in Bloemfontein has applied for re-registration, significantly increasing the slaughter capacity for affected animals.

“We kindly request all farmers to remain vigilant and maintain strict biosecurity measures on their farms. These measures are of utmost importance to prevent the spread of diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and ensure the continued health of our livestock. “Your dedication to biosecurity not only protects your livelihood but also significantly contributes to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our agricultural ind