With foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continuing to place livestock farmers on high alert in North West, a private veterinary practice in Brits has taken proactive steps to curb the further spread of the disease through a focused awareness campaign.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Motsumi Animal Clinic has launched an FMD awareness drive across the Madibeng Local Municipality, where the majority of its clients are based. The clinic in Brits services a diverse farming community spread across 41 wards that include urban and rural areas, villages and farm portions, as well as sections of the Moretele Local Municipality.
According to Dr Ayanda Dlamini from Motsumi Animal Clinic, the initiative was prompted by a surge in calls from farmers reporting symptoms consistent with FMD.
“We have been inundated with queries from farmers describing similar symptoms. What we realised is that many were not fully aware of the current FMD situation. We saw it fit to initiate this awareness drive, particularly around biosecurity measures, to help reduce the rapid spread of the disease,” said Dr Dlamini.
The clinic’s campaign focuses on strengthening on-farm biosecurity, with clear, practical steps farmers can implement immediately.
Animal Movement Restrictions
Farmers are strongly urged to stop the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs between farms or from high-risk areas.
Newly purchased or returning animals should be quarantined for at least 28 days before joining the main herd. Secure perimeter fencing is also critical to prevent contact with stray livestock or wildlife that may carry the virus.
Also read: ‘Is the outbreak of FMD a sign of SA’s deteriorating veterinary services?’ – Dr Rebone Moerane
Access Control and Hygiene
Establishing a single, controlled entry point for visitors and vehicles is essential. Farmers are encouraged to maintain a detailed visitor logbook, recording names and previous livestock contact.
Visitors should be provided with clean boots, overalls and hats that remain on the farm. Strict hand and foot washing before and after entering animal areas should become standard practice.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Effective cleaning and disinfection remain central to preventing FMD transmission. Organic matter such as mud and manure must first be removed before disinfectants are applied.
Verified disinfectants, including citric acid, 2% caustic soda or Virocid, should be used on vehicle tyres, footwear and equipment. Disinfectant footbaths must be placed at all entrances to animal areas and refreshed regularly.
Operational Management
Feed should be sourced from low-risk suppliers and stored securely to avoid contamination. In high-risk or affected areas, vaccination programmes should only be implemented under veterinary supervision.
Managing Suspected Cases
In the event of suspected FMD, the clinic advises farmers to:
- Immediately isolate affected animals;
- Report the case to the local state veterinarian or animal health technician without delay; and
- Stop all animal movement off the farm.
Although there is no cure for FMD, supportive treatment can help reduce complications. Dr Dlamini explained that antibiotics such as tetracyclines may be administered to prevent secondary bacterial infections, alongside ivermectin, vitamin supplementation and pain relief to support recovery.
“Adult animals generally recover within two weeks, but the major concern is calves, which are more vulnerable and may die from the disease,” she noted.
Also read: Shared facilities hamper FMD control for communal livestock farmers
Brits Area Under Quarantine
In January, the Brits area and surrounding villages were placed under quarantine and movement control following confirmed cases in parts of North West. Affected farms remain under strict quarantine, with no movement of cloven-hoofed animals or their products permitted in order to contain the further spread of the disease.
For farmers in Madibeng and neighbouring municipalities, the message is unequivocal: strict biosecurity, responsible animal movement and immediate reporting of suspected cases are critical to protecting herds and safeguarding livelihoods.
As the outbreak continues to test the resilience of the livestock sector, initiatives such as this show the important role private veterinarians can play in strengthening disease awareness and response at community level.
Also read and watch:
FMD | Lactalis SA backs producers amid new outbreaks
SAHPRA fast-tracks critical FMD vaccines to protect livestock
FMD a national disaster, but vaccines must be centrally controlled – Ramaphosa
SA’s own FMD vaccines – we were there!
