Morgan Beef, an agricultural company with a feedlot at Delmas that can hold 32 000 cattle, has confirmed that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has broken out at their facility.
By Nico van Burick, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Kobus Meintjes, CEO, said in a statement the issue is being treated with the utmost seriousness and all possible measures as required by veterinary protocols have been implemented.
This includes the suspension of slaughter at their abattoir, the segregation of animals and products that may be contaminated, cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, as well as testing under the supervision of State Veterinary Services. Meintjes said they are working closely with the authorities to manage the situation according to statutory requirements and the highest industry standards.
“We will provide regular updates and keep everyone fully informed of the progress of the process. Everyone’s trust is of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to being fully transparent and ensuring the products supplied to customers are safe.”
Meanwhile, it is reported that so far this year, more than 260 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been reported nationwide. The disease is currently occurring in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free State, North West and Gauteng. Among the latest cases that have yet to be confirmed are two possible cases between Frankfort and Cornelia in the Free State. An outbreak has also been reported between Middelburg and Carolina in Mpumalanga.
Dewald Olivier, CEO of the Red Meat Industry Association (RMIS), says due to all the outbreaks, there is about a month’s backlog at laboratories that need to do blood tests.
