Cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba have recently tested positive for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Zululand Observer reports.

This after cattle showed clinical signs of FMD in December last year and were tested, with laboratory results confirming the virus with new cases noted around Vryheid and Newcastle.

This has prompted calls for livestock owners and farmers to limit the movement of animals.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the affected dip tanks remain under quarantine, and vaccination efforts in the area continue.

“The vaccine being used covers all three FMD SAT strains. Dip tanks in newly affected areas have also been placed under quarantine,” the department stated.

Livestock owners are urged to adhere to control measures implemented nationwide since October 2022 to reduce the risk of further spread.

These measures include:

• Cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa may only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner, confirming the animals’ health at the time of movement.
• Any newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be kept separate from resident herds for at least 28 days.

“All livestock farmers across the country are strongly encouraged to limit animal movement as much as possible.

“Auctioneers and livestock owners should be particularly cautious when purchasing cloven-hoofed animals from provinces with active FMD outbreaks.

“No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under FMD restrictions in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga Provinces,” the department added.

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