Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been officially confirmed in the AbaQulusi Local Municipality.

According to the Department of Agriculture, eight farms or dip tanks are currently affected. As a result, the entire municipality has been placed under restriction measures to limit the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Authorities confirmed that livestock is not allowed to move in or out of the Zululand District without a red cross permit issued by the permit office in Pietermaritzburg.

Monitoring and vaccination efforts continue

The department explained that “roadblocks are a competency of SAPS. We would appreciate if roadblocks are conducted. We carry out stock inspections in areas where suspected cases are reported and periodically at dip tanks.”

Since 2021, the province of KwaZulu-Natal has vaccinated over 800,000 cattle in efforts to control outbreaks of FMD. However, officials indicated that they do not yet have specific vaccination figures for AbaQulusi Local Municipality.

“The department is currently awaiting new vaccine supplies, as veterinary teams are deployed along the South Coast.”

Farmers urged to watch for symptoms

FMD is a highly contagious and economically devastating viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.

Farmers are urged to monitor livestock closely for the following symptoms: hypersalivation, sores on the mouth, tongue and gums, blisters between the hooves and limping.

“If infection is suspected, farmers must immediately contact a state veterinarian or animal health technician, avoid movement of animals and quarantine affected livestock.”

Support available for affected farmers

The department confirmed that medication has been allocated to assist affected emerging and communal farmers. Treatment is provided symptomatically to help infected animals survive the disease.

Farmers and community members are urged to report suspected cases immediately by contacting Dr Mtshali on 076 821 7730, Mr Carel Burger on 071 687 5533, or the national toll-free line on 0860 246 640.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.