All animals in the Western Cape infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been vaccinated as part of approved control measures following the confirmation of a positive case in Gouda, the Western Cape FMD Working Group has announced.
By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The vaccinated animals will be monitored for a period of 14 days, after which – provided they show no new symptoms – they may be slaughtered at an approved abattoir.
Further inspections have been undertaken of sheep and cattle within the 10 km quarantine zone in the Gouda area.
Hendri Truter, CEO of Deli-Co, confirmed to African Farming that the group’s farm falls within the quarantine area. Western Cape Veterinary Services visited the farm and found no signs of the disease. Blood samples were taken to confirm this; the results are still pending.
Deli-Co has in the meantime temporarily suspended its exports in line with regulations. Truter says they are also currently unable to receive any store lambs at their feedlot, can continue with slaughtering operations. They are working with all stakeholders to help ensure the disease does not spread.
The working group says stray animals in the town have already been identified and are being monitored by a state veterinarian. The group added that any animal deaths – whether caused by FMD or not – must be reported immediately to the local state veterinarian.
Also read: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case confirmed near Gouda
Biosecurity Remains Key
The working group has reminded all stakeholders that biosecurity is not a one-off action but a daily responsibility. “The 10 km biosecurity control area [quarantine zone] will remain in effect for as long as the area is under quarantine.”
Control points have been set up at strategic locations to inspect vehicles, and the public is being informed about the situation through various channels. Livestock transporters are reminded that they must have all required documentation on hand, including:
- a declaration by the animal owner;
- a declaration by the receiver of the animals; and
- certificates in terms of Sections 6 and 8 of the Stock Theft Act.
Also read: ‘Prosecutions may follow’ – Steenhuisen after FMD scare in Western Cape
“We again urge producers to review and strengthen their own biosecurity measures, and to report all animal movement into or out of the quarantine area using the department’s Livestock Movement webform.
Disinfection is taking place daily within the 10 km biosecurity control area using F10 Veterinary Disinfectant to sanitise vehicles and equipment.
All vehicles, clothing and equipment entering or leaving the area must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, the working group says. Efforts are focused on continued monitoring, strengthening the control points and raising further awareness among producers and the public. Contact numbers for the responsible stakeholders are being made available to all affected parties.
Agri Western Cape and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Western Cape (RPO WC) have made a strong appeal to all livestock farmers to apply strict biosecurity measures on their farms and to follow all official protocols.
“This cooperation remains essential to effectively control and ultimately eradicate the outbreak.”
