The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) says foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed on two farms in the Waterberg district.
The department said in an official notice issued on Tuesday, 9 December, that control measures have been implemented in the Waterberg region.
“The farms where the outbreak was reported have been placed under strict quarantine with immediate effect,” the notice reads.
Animals, animal products, vehicles, personnel or equipment may not enter or leave the farms without permission from the state veterinary services.
The quarantine also applies to adjacent properties and any other properties connected to the farms that tested positive.
Movement restrictions apply within a 10km radius and farmers within this area must ensure their gates remain closed, visitor access is controlled and no livestock movement occurs.
Taking into account the incubation period of the virus and epidemiological risk factors, surveillance will take place on adjacent properties.
“Testing will be prioritised to determine the extent of potential spread. This protocol will be continually reviewed and updated as new information becomes available and results are obtained,” reads the notice signed by the state veterinarian for Waterberg East and the deputy director of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture.
Also read: FMD: Veterinarian urges farmers to work together
“Our primary objective is to contain and eliminate this outbreak as quickly as possible, thereby preventing further spread within the district and the wider province. “We call on all farmers and stakeholders to fully cooperate and act responsibly. Strict biosecurity practices and compliance with all movement restrictions are essential. Farmers are urged to hold themselves – and each other – accountable for protecting the health of our livestock sector.
“Your cooperation is critical to resolving this situation effectively and efficiently.”
