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Company reps in foot-and-mouth disease areas raise concern

The Department of Agriculture and its animal health directorate are concerned about reports of representatives from agricultural companies visiting farms within and outside the Eastern Cape’s foot-and-mouth disease management area.

These visits pose a serious biosecurity risk, warns department spokesperson Sara-Lea van Eeden.

“While we understand that it is essential for representatives to conduct business, the department asks all agricultural companies and their representatives to find alternative methods of contacting their clients, such as virtual meetings or phone calls or other ways of doing business that do not involve physical contact, to limit the risk of disease transmission,” Van Eeden said in a statement.

If visits to farms are unavoidable, compliance with biosecurity protocols is mandatory, says Van Eeden. “Farmers are reminded that it is their duty to maintain strict biosecurity measures for all visitors, including representatives, to protect their livestock and farming operations from potential exposure to foot-and-mouth disease.”

The department reminds farmers that the cooperation of all stakeholders is essential as foot-and-mouth disease is a controlled disease under the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984). This mandates control measures such as quarantine and movement restrictions as enforced by the veterinary services directorate.

The recommendations for measures are:

  • Visitor control: Implement strict visitor protocols, including cleaning and disinfection procedures, as well as requirements for protective clothing and controlled access to all livestock. Keep records of all daily visitors, including the person’s last contact with livestock on the farm.
  • Disinfection of vehicles and equipment: Ensure that all vehicles and equipment entering or leaving the premises are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. As an additional measure, the wheels and undercarriage of vehicles transporting livestock should be sprayed. Only registered products specifically indicated for use to inactivate the foot-and-mouth disease virus may be used. Consult suppliers of these products for guidelines.
  • Cooperation with veterinary authorities: Work closely with veterinary authorities if foot-and-mouth disease cases are suspected. Implement control measures in accordance with national guidelines and regulations.

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