Foot-and-mouth disease detected in Giyani as agriculture grows in SA

The department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries (DAFF) has confirmed the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in Giyani, Limpopo, Letaba Herald reports.

This disease, heavily contagious among animals in close proximity, could lead to a major knock to Tzaneen cattle farming businesses if not controlled, isolated and treated efficiently.

On August 21, during routine weekly inspections at a dip tank somewhere in the Greater Giyani Municipality area, three cattle with ulcers were flagged for suspicion of FMD.

The cattle were immediately isolated in their own kraal on the owner’s farm, and then further underwent thorough clinical inspections of their mouths, tongues and throats carried out by an animal health technician. Fodder for the isolated animals was in turn provided by the DAFF.

Once the inspections were complete, samples were collected and sent for testing at ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus (ARC-OVR) in Pretoria.The results of the tests showed that it was indeed FMD, more specifically serotype SAT 1 of the FMD virus. The outbreak was then reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Two other cattle that share a water source with the dip tank where the initial outbreak was detected were also flagged, inspected and had samples collected for testing after they also had suspected FMD ulcers.

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DAFF Stats First Quarter 2017

In a predominantly agriculture-driven area, Tzaneen farmers and breeders of livestock are advised to be on the lookout for any signs of FMD such as blisters and erosions in and around the mouth, between the hooves and on teats; excessive stringy or foamy salivation and drooling as well as lameness.

Meanwhile, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry experienced growth of 33,6% in this year’s second quarter.

This is 10,5% more than the growth increase experienced in the first quarter where the industry saw growth of 23,1% from 2016’s final quarter.

In 2017’s first quarter, agriculture, forestry and fisheries was the second largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth with 0,5%, behind only mining (0,9%).

However, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry became the largest contributor to GDP growth in the second quarter with a 0,7% contribution, ahead of finance, real estate and business services (0,5%) and mining (0,3%).

The positive growth in the industry seen in the second quarter can mainly be attributed to an increase in the production of field crops and horticultural products nationwide.

Although specific statistics are not available, one can be almost certain that the Tzaneen area with all the citrus, macadamia, mango, avocado and litchi farming as well as livestock breeding, has largely contributed to the success of the agricultural industry.

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– Caxton News Service