Sparta Beef confirmed earlier this week that cattle at its Marquard feedlot and its Clocolan farm have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Sparta Beef says upon confirmation of the positive results of laboratory tests for FMD, containment measures were implemented in line with national veterinary protocols. “Vaccination of all cattle at the Marquard facility commenced without delay, and is currently being carried out under the supervision of Free State Veterinary Services.
“In addition, samples collected from Sparta’s Alma farm, located in the Clocolan district, have also tested positive for the FMD virus. All cattle on this farm have subsequently been vaccinated.”
The company says it continues to collaborate closely with government authorities, industry organisations and other relevant stakeholders to contain the outbreak and protect the health of the South African livestock population.
“We remain confident that the swift and coordinated response initiated by Sparta, in partnership with Free State Veterinary Services, will significantly help limit the further spread of this highly contagious disease.”
Also read: FMD in Western Cape: All infected animals vaccinated
Investigation Continues Into Western Cape Fraud Case
Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), says the investigation is still under way into the fraud case opened after cattle from the Western Cape suspected to have FMD were delivered to Sparta Beef’s Clocolan facility at the beginning of November.
Olivier says the investigation will determine whether the outbreaks at Sparta Beef can be linked to this incident.
Also read: Fraud probe launched after cattle with possible FMD delivered to Sparta feedlot
Olivier says the outbreaks at Sparta Beef will add further strain to the country’s meat supply, especially as this is the second major feedlot to be affected by FMD this year. “I think consumers are in for a far more difficult December than last year.”
Olivier says there have been no further outbreaks or suspected cases in the Western Cape.
Also read:
Western Cape rallies to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), sets up roadblocks
FMD outbreak in Western Cape shows current prevention measures ‘not working’ – RMIS
‘Prosecutions may follow’ – Steenhuisen after FMD scare in Western Cape
