Our farming community, together with the rest of the country, has become increasingly aware of the devastating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) threatening our livestock industry. From communal farmers to commercial producers, the impact is being felt not only in lost income but also in the emotional strain of watching herds, livelihoods and futures placed at risk. In his recent media briefing the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, highlighted that the country is now in a state of disaster, emphasising that the battle ahead is still long and will not be easy.
By Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka, Afrivet
Yet even during this time of uncertainty, farmers are not powerless, because by working together and following state-led control measures, the spread of the disease can be slowed, and livelihoods can be protected. KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, the Free State and North West were identified as the hardest-hit provinces, whereas the Northern Cape is the only province that has not reported an occurrence of an outbreak thus far. While we wait for government vaccines to reach most farmers, there are practical steps farmers can take right now to slow the spread of FMD and protect the national herd.
Here is a recap of the virus strains reported in different provinces across the country:
- SAT2 FMD: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng and the Free State;
- SAT1 FMD: KwaZulu-Natal;
- SAT3 and SAT2 FMD: The Eastern Cape; and
- SAT3 FMD: Limpopo.
Also read: WATCH | Neo Brian Rasehlo talks to us about FMD (Setswana and English)
How FMD Spreads
Although there are various possible routes of infection, the ones outlined below are those that farmers can control in their day-to-day operations.
Infected livestock are the primary vectors
- Farmers must be on the lookout for the clinical signs of FMD. This will help to boost early detection.
- Farmers must avoid buying animals during the outbreak.
- Furthermore, the illegal trade of animals makes the disease spread even more rapidly.
Humans
Although we do not get the virus, we can carry it on clothes, shoes, hands and even our hair. Therefore, no matter how much you value the companionship of your neighbouring farmers, there should be minimal to no contact with animals and workers across farms at this stage, especially in areas where cases have been confirmed.
Contaminated objects
Objects used on farms include vehicles (trucks, trailers), farm equipment, milking machines, feed and water troughs, bedding/shavings, knives, needles and other veterinary tools. The virus can survive for several days or weeks in cool, moist conditions. This is why strict biosecurity measures must always be observed on farms.
Also read: FMD | ‘Worst challenge since rinderpest’ requires cooperation
What is in Your Control?
The correct knowledge is power
Keep your ears on the ground but make sure you get your information from the official news broadcasters, because false news spreads panic. The Minister of Agriculture has highlighted that it will take some time to eradicate the disease from our farming communities. It does not help to fuel your panic with false and sensational information.
Report suspected symptoms as soon as you spot them
Do not hide animals if you notice any signs that may suggest FMD. This will only make the situation worse, as there is a greater possibility of the disease spreading from your farm than of you being able to contain it yourself. You need the help of trained animal health professionals to deal with the disease.
The biosecurity of your farm is in your hands
If you have not begun putting low-cost biosecurity measures in place, now is the time to start. If you have, then look for ways you can strengthen them even further. For everyone’s protection, do not move animals under any circumstances until authorities advise otherwise. Furthermore, if it is possible to separate your cattle from the community herd for this period of the disease, do so. However, if this is not an option for you, farmers must work together to mitigate the risks of contamination and disease spread.
Unfortunately, the virus will be with the farming community for a while. We cannot hope something will change without a strategy to protect our herd. Hope is not a strategy, but the implementation and upholding of strict biosecurity practices, as well as not moving our livestock around when we do not have to, are strategies we can adopt.
Also read:
Laboratory analysis isolates O strain in smuggled FMD vaccines
FMD | Experts urge caution with farmers’ ‘tiger heart’ syndrome diagnoses
FMD | Crisis raises fears for auctions, prices and genetic stock
