Complaints about stray animals in rural areas are regularly raised as part of the problems surrounding the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The RMIS asked the public weeks ago to report stray animals to it, but only one case has been reported so far.
By Alani Janeke, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
An incident where a community in Limpopo has been struggling for years with a livestock owner’s animals roaming in and around a town was reported to the Red Meat Industry Body (RMIS) last week. The RMIS centre informed the local authorities of the incident and thanks to pressure from this organisation, action is already being taken against the livestock owner.
Dewald Olivier, CEO of the RMIS, advised farmers and the public two weeks ago not only to write about stray animals on Facebook, but to report incidents so that action can be taken. The centre can be contacted on 067 391 7530 or on the RMIS website at https://rmis.co.za/contact-us/.
Also watch: John Steenhuisen announces foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) plan
Communal Cattle Vaccinated
Meanwhile, John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, and Dipepeneneng Serage, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, visited Rysmierbult in the North West on Thursday, where the government is vaccinating communal farmers’ cattle.
Steenhuisen said in a media session in parliament on Monday the government is aware of the problems caused by stray animals. Communal livestock owners in parts of North West and the Free State have also threatened state veterinarians, who wanted to vaccinate and brand their animals, in recent weeks.
Also read: FMD and stray animals: ‘The basics have to be done right’
“The management of communal cattle herds is a big problem,” Steenhuisen said. “We are busy vaccinating these herds, but much more consultation is needed with the authorities, other relevant government departments and local governments as well as traditional leaders to ensure the movements of the animals are properly controlled and the necessary fences are erected.”
Olivier also announced in the media session that the RMIS is developing a registration system for communal animals, similar to the one introduced last year for commercial farming. This system will be ready on 3 November.
