Foot-and-mouth disease fight still on in KZN

By Maile Matsimela

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains restricted in four districts in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

The uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Zululand and Amajuba districts are still experiencing cases of FMD.

KZN Agriculture MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said considering the National Department of Agriculture’s latest declaration, they have been diligently working to ensure the extended areas designated as Disease Management Area (DMA) are adequately equipped to manage the disease.

According to the MEC the situation is compounded by the five game reserves in the province that have tested positive for FMD.

“Given that buffaloes are permanent carriers of FMD, the following areas have been declared infected and, in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) requirements, efforts are underway to establish a protection zone around these areas to safeguard the integrity of the FMD-free zone.

“Our vaccination efforts, administered by a team of veterinary services practitioners, continue in these districts by doing vaccinations and implementing disease control measures in line with DMA protocols. As per DMA regulations, any movement of cattle, sheep or goats, or their derived products, must be accompanied by an owner declaration confirming the animal’s origin and health status,” explains Madlopha-Mthethwa.

She said the extended DMA will now encompass the “Big Five” municipalities that include Hlabisa Local Municipality, Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality, Nongoma Local Municipality, Ulundi Local Municipality, UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, Jozini Local Municipality, uPongola Local Municipality, AbaQulusi Local Municipality, uMfolozi Local Municipality, Umhlathuze Local Municipality, Mthonjaneni Local Municipality, Nquthu Local Municipality, Nkandla Local Municipality, uMlalazi Local Municipality and Mandeni Local Municipality.