The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirms the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the North West Province remains confined to the local municipalities where it was first detected. However, the spread to neighbouring farms and to farms that had previously tested negative has been of great concern and indicates the virus is still circulating in the JB Marks Local Municipality particularly in Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Six New Outbreaks Reported in Two Weeks
In the past two weeks, six new outbreaks have been reported in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District (Dr KK). While index farms had previously been vaccinated, neighbouring farms were only surveyed and no ring vaccination was carried out. Ring vaccination, which involves vaccinating farms within a 5km radius of an outbreak, is a preventative measure but was not applied here due to ongoing FMD control measures and movement restrictions.
Communal Farming Areas Present Major Challenges
The outbreak has also extended to communal farming areas, where the absence of fencing and difficulty in controlling animal movement poses a major challenge. Where outbreaks occur in such conditions, and where cooperation from animal owners is limited, the declaration of a Disease Management Area (DMA) may become necessary, as guided by the Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan.
Also read: African swine fever (ASF) outbreak highlights stray animal problem
Resistance from Farmers Increases Disease Spread Risk
The Department is particularly concerned about resistance and non-cooperation from some communal farmers, especially regarding the branding of affected animals with an “F” for traceability, and compliance with control orders. Such resistance increases the risk of spreading the disease across Dr KK, especially when animals are moved illegally.
Business Activities Contributing to Disease Spread
Business activities such as buying animals from infected areas and reselling them at auctions or other gathering points further spread the disease. Although Gazette No. 58628 prescribes strict biosecurity measures under the Agricultural Produce Agency Council (APAC) regulations, many farmers do not comply and merely complete paperwork without implementing proper controls.
Department Strengthens Enforcement Measures
In strengthening its enforcement, the Department will deploy Animal Health Technicians and Veterinarians at animal gathering points to inspect animals, and return or close such gatherings if suspicious conditions are detected. The Department will also collaborate with Law Enforcement agencies through the Disaster Management Centre’s Joint Operations Centre to conduct roadblocks in high-risk areas, targeting illegal animal movement. Lastly, the Department will ensure strict compliance with APAC biosecurity rules, which govern farm-of-origin controls, inspections at gathering points, road movement compliance, animal traceability, record-keeping and the use of approved disinfectants.
Call for Full Compliance with Regulations
The Department urges all farmers to fully comply with these regulations and with the Government Gazette for animal gatherings. These measures are designed to prevent further spread of FMD, protect healthy livestock and safeguard the agricultural sector of the North West Province.
